Paraguay and Morocco Stun Germany in 2026 Knockouts
Paraguay and Morocco have etched their names into FIFA World Cup 2026 history by eliminating European powerhouse Germany in the knockout rounds. These upsets join a storied tradition of giant killings in World Cup history, as underdogs continue to redefine the tournament's narrative.
Notable World Cup Upsets Through the Years
The 2026 edition has seen its share of surprises, drawing comparisons to past shocks. In 1966, North Korea defeated Italy 1-0 in the round of 16. Cameroon stunned Argentina 2-1 in the same stage in 1990. Bulgaria beat Germany 2-1 in the 1994 quarterfinals. Senegal defeated Sweden 2-1 in the 2002 round of 16. Morocco also shocked Portugal 1-0 in the 2022 quarterfinals.
Impact of Upsets on Tournament Dynamics
These results not only alter the path to the final but also highlight the growing competitiveness of global football. According to FIFA, the 2026 World Cup has featured the most knockout-stage upsets since 2002, with five lower-ranked teams advancing past higher-ranked opponents in the first knockout round.
