Updated

Updated · NBC News · Jun 30

Brazil, Paraguay and Morocco Advance as Japan, Germany and Netherlands Exit World Cup

Updated

Updated · NBC News · Jun 30

Brazil, Paraguay and Morocco Advance as Japan, Germany and Netherlands Exit World Cup

Q: Is Germany's golden era officially over after its third consecutive early World Cup exit?

Yes. Germany’s run of three straight early World Cup exits makes it hard to argue that the era of Germany as a reliable tournament superpower is still intact. The evidence is stark. Since winning the World Cup in 2014, Germany have gone out in the group stage in 2018 and 2022, and now in the Round of 32 in 2026 after losing on penalties to Paraguay. This latest defeat was especially symbolic: Germany were beaten by a side ranked far below them, lost their first-ever World Cup penalty shootout, and again failed to turn possession and pedigree into control. The reaction inside Germany reflects that shift. Joshua Kimmich said the team deserved to go out, while Kai Havertz openly questioned whether Germany had become a “second-tier” side. Media coverage has described the result as humiliation and the end of the old German aura. Criticism has also focused on Julian Nagelsmann’s tactical choices, squad balance and the team’s lack of identity, rhythm and edge. That does not mean German football is finished. The talent base remains strong, with players such as Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, and the domestic system is still productive. But the gap between traditional powers and emerging nations has narrowed, and Germany have not adapted well enough. So the golden era is over in the sense that Germany can no longer be treated as an automatic contender. The bigger question now is whether this is a temporary slump or a structural decline requiring deep reform.

Q: Which embattled coach, Nagelsmann or Koeman, will be the first to go after this historic elimination?

Ronald Koeman appears more likely to be the first to go. The strongest evidence in the provided material is the reported update that Koeman is set to step down as Netherlands manager after the Dutch were eliminated by Morocco on penalties. That is more definitive than the situation around Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann, whose future is under heavy scrutiny but remains unresolved. Nagelsmann is under serious pressure after Germany’s shock loss to Paraguay, a result described as Germany’s first-ever World Cup shootout defeat and a third straight failure to reach the round of 16. But the searched material says he has made clear he wants to stay, saying he is ready to continue through the European Championship and Nations League, and that he would only leave if the German federation decides otherwise. His contract also runs to 2028. Koeman, by contrast, is described as facing major criticism for his in-game decisions in the Netherlands’ loss, and the additional reporting goes further by saying he will step down. If that reporting holds, his departure would come before any formal decision on Nagelsmann. So based on the combined reporting, Koeman is the coach most likely to go first, while Nagelsmann remains in a wait-for-the-DFB phase rather than actively heading for the exit.

3 articles · Updated · NBC News · Jun 30

Gabriel Martinelli scored in the sixth minute of stoppage time to give Brazil a 2-1 comeback win over Japan, which had led through Kaishu Sano and still has never won a World Cup knockout match.
Two more round-of-32 ties went the distance: Paraguay beat Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, handing Germany its first World Cup shootout defeat after four previous wins.
Morocco then eliminated the Netherlands on penalties after another 1-1 game, with Issa Diop equalizing in stoppage time before Ismael Saibari converted the decisive kick.
The results sent Brazil into a meeting with Ivory Coast or Norway, Paraguay into a clash with France or Sweden, and Morocco into a round-of-16 match against Canada.
Three more knockout games were scheduled for Tuesday: Ivory Coast vs. Norway, France vs. Sweden and co-host Mexico vs. Ecuador.

Sources

NBC News4h ago

Japan, Germany, Netherlands Eliminated from World Cup Knockout Stage

SBS News13h ago

Japan was beaten by Brazil, Germany and Netherlands eliminated after dramatic penalty shoot-outs | SBS Japanese

Euronews19h ago

Germany and Netherlands dumped out on penalties as Brazil seal late win | Euronews

8 Sources

Is Germany's golden era officially over after its third consecutive early World Cup exit?

Do these upsets prove the 48-team format has ended the era of untouchable football giants?

Which embattled coach, Nagelsmann or Koeman, will be the first to go after this historic elimination?

World Cup 2026 Round of 16: Major Upsets, Emerging Powers, and the New 48-Team Era

Overview

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 brought major surprises, with favored teams like Germany and the Netherlands eliminated in dramatic fashion. Paraguay shocked Germany, causing another painful exit for the former champions and sending ripples through the tournament. Morocco also advanced past the Netherlands in a thrilling shootout, despite the Dutch being favorites. These upsets highlight the unpredictable nature of the expanded World Cup format, where early knockout matches have reshaped the competition and shown that no team can take victory for granted. The stage is now set for more excitement as new contenders emerge.

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