FIFA World Cup 2026 Enters Knockout Stage

Football fans in Karachi’s Lyari neighbourhood, known as “Mini Brazil” for its passionate support of the Brazilian national team, gathered for a public screening of the FIFA World Cup knockout match against Japan on Monday. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab was also in attendance at the Lyari International Football Stadium.

The crowd experienced a range of emotions, from despair when Japan took an early lead to elation when Casemiro equalised for Brazil in the second half. The stadium erupted in celebration when a 96th-minute goal by substitute Gabriel Martinelli secured a 2-1 victory and a place in the last 16 for the five-time champions.

In the FIFA World Cup Round of 32, Argentina is preparing to face Cape Verde in an upcoming match. Reports indicate the team has been training ahead of the fixture.

In other Round of 32 matches, Paraguay produced a major upset by eliminating four-time champions Germany in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.

Canada also booked their place in the last 16 with a 1-0 victory over South Africa. Five-time world champions Brazil advanced after defeating Japan 2-1.

The remaining Round of 32 matches are scheduled to be completed by Friday, July 3, to finalize the lineup for the next stage.

Morocco has advanced to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup, defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout on Monday after their Round of 32 match in Monterrey ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time.

The Netherlands took the lead with a second-half goal from Cody Gakpo, but Morocco's Issa Diop scored an equaliser in stoppage time to force the match into extra time and subsequently penalties.

During the shootout, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved a penalty from Crysencio Summerville, and Ismael Saibari converted the winning spot kick. Morocco will now face co-hosts Canada in the next round.

Paraguay has advanced to the Round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating four-time champions Germany in a penalty shootout following a draw.

Despite Germany dominating possession, Paraguay took a surprise lead before halftime when Julio Enciso scored with a header. Germany's Kai Havertz equalised early in the second half, also with a header.

A late goal for Germany by Jonathan Tah was disallowed after a foul was identified in the build-up, leading the match to be decided by penalties.

Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill saved the opening kick from Havertz, and José Canales later scored the decisive penalty to secure the victory.

Paraguay will now play the winner of the France versus Sweden match on July 4 in Philadelphia.