Monday's action in the FIFA World Cup 2026 added another chapter to the book of all-time knockout upsets, with title contenders Germany stunned by Paraguay at the round of 32 stage, adding yet more spice to an event that has already delivered plenty of drama at the group stage.

Jose Canale wrote his name in the history books, steering longshots Paraguay to a thrilling shootout win over four-time champions Germany in the round of 32. Many thought Paraguay would be sent home after the USA thrashed them in their opener, but the South Americans turned their pain into purpose, knocking out Germany 4-3 on penalties for the biggest upset in World Cup knockout history.

Germany have been on the receiving end of more than one knockout upset. In 1994, minnows Bulgaria toppled the defending champions in the quarterfinals, sealing a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Germany that went down as one of the biggest shocks of the competition.

A rare golden goal decided Italy's fate at the 2002 World Cup when co-hosts South Korea knocked them out in the round of 16. Christian Vieri gave Italy an early lead, but Seol Ki-Hyun struck a late equalizer, and Ahn Jung-Hwan sealed the deal with a golden goal. The 2-1 victory helped South Korea finish fourth.

Germany handed Brazil an infamous 7-1 semifinal thrashing at the 2014 World Cup, breaking Brazilian hearts on their own soil. Five players found the net for Germany, with Oscar netting a 90th-minute consolation for Brazil. Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari called it the "worst day of my life".

Morocco – who stunned the Netherlands on Monday to reach the round of 16 – are no strangers to pulling off an upset. At the 2022 World Cup, the Atlas Lions tamed Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal, beating them 1-0 in the quarterfinals despite finishing the game with 10 players. The victory saw Morocco become the first African and Arab side to reach the World Cup semifinals.

Source: www.aljazeera.com