Brazil, Germany and Netherlands Eye 3 Round-of-32 Wins at 2026 World Cup

Q: With Morocco unbeaten in 31 games, can the high-scoring Netherlands break their formidable streak in this clash of top-10 teams?

Yes — the Netherlands have a real chance to end Morocco’s unbeaten run, but this looks close to a 50-50 knockout tie rather than a clear Dutch advantage. The Dutch arrive in stronger attacking form. They won Group F with seven points and scored freely, including a 5-1 win over Sweden and a 3-1 win over Tunisia. Brian Brobbey has three group-stage goals, Cody Gakpo remains a major threat, and the Netherlands also carry danger on set pieces through Virgil van Dijk and Jan Paul van Hecke. That variety gives them more than one route to break a compact defense. Morocco, though, are exactly the kind of opponent built to frustrate a team like the Netherlands. They are unbeaten in 31 matches according to the tournament preview, ranked seventh in the world, and have already shown they can handle elite opposition after drawing Brazil in the group stage. Ismael Saibari scored in every group game, Brahim Díaz offers quality in transition, and Achraf Hakimi remains a game-changing outlet from the back. The key question is whether the Netherlands can turn possession and pressure into clear chances before Morocco can drag the match into a slower, tighter contest. If the Dutch score first, their attacking depth could finally snap Morocco’s streak. If Morocco keep it level deep into the match, their structure and confidence make them very dangerous. The evidence points to the Netherlands being capable of ending the run, but only by surviving one of the toughest Round of 32 tests.

3 articles · Updated · FOX Sports · Jun 28

Monday’s Round of 32 slate features three heavyweight tests: Brazil vs Japan in Houston, Germany vs Paraguay in Boston, and Netherlands vs Morocco in Monterrey.
Brazil topped Group C with 7 points but enters with concerns over form; Vinícius Júnior scored in all 3 group games, while Neymar returned from a 981-day international absence.
Japan also went unbeaten in group play and beat Brazil 3-2 in October 2025, though injuries remain a concern after Takefusa Kubo’s knee issue and earlier losses including Wataru Endo.
Germany reached the knockouts after missing out in 2018 and 2022, but Paraguay arrives on a 2-game shutout run despite being outshot 44-14 across those matches.
The late game may be the strongest tie: No. 7 Morocco faces the Netherlands, ranked one spot lower, with Morocco unbeaten in 31 matches and the Dutch unbeaten in 15 World Cup games.