The knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 got underway with high drama, late goals and one of the tournament's biggest upsets so far. Canada, Brazil and Paraguay all secured places in the Round of 16 after thrilling Round of 32 victories on Day 18 of the tournament. While Canada made history with their first-ever World Cup knockout win, Brazil survived a stern challenge from Japan. Paraguay, meanwhile, stunned four-time world champions Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout to book their place in the next round. Canada edge South Africa to make history Co-hosts Canada became the first team to reach the Round of 16 after defeating South Africa 1-0 in a tense Round of 32 clash. The breakthrough came in stoppage time as Canada secured a memorable victory and registered their first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout-stage win. The result also ended a long wait for the Concacaf region. According to ESPN, Canada became the first Concacaf nation to advance in a World Cup knockout match since Costa Rica defeated Greece on penalties in the Round of 16 at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Canada will now face the winner of the Netherlands vs Morocco Round of 32 fixture in the last 16. Brazil leave it late against Japan Five-time world champions Brazil booked their place in the Round of 16 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan. Japan proved difficult opponents throughout the contest, but Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli delivered the decisive blow deep into stoppage time. The Brazilian scored in the 95th minute in Houston to seal qualification and break Japanese hearts. The victory keeps alive Brazil's hopes of winning the World Cup for the first time since 2002. The South Americans will next face either Ivory Coast or Norway in the Round of 16. With the knockout rounds now underway, Brazil remain among the favourites to lift football's biggest prize.Paraguay stun Germany in major World Cup upset The biggest story of the day came in Foxborough, where Paraguay knocked Germany out of the World Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout. The match ended 1-1 after extra time before Paraguay prevailed 4-3 on penalties, eliminating the four-time world champions. Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the lead in the 42nd minute with a header from a Matias Galarza cross. Germany responded early in the second half as Kai Havertz headed home from a Florian Wirtz delivery to level the score. Neither side could find a winner in extra time. Germany thought they had taken the lead through Jonathan Tah, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review. The shootout produced more drama. Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill made crucial saves, while Germany missed three penalties, including efforts from Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Tah. Jose Canale eventually converted the winning spot-kick to spark wild celebrations among the Paraguayan players and supporters. The defeat marked Germany's first-ever loss in a World Cup penalty shootout and another disappointing exit for the European giants, who were making their first knockout-stage appearance since lifting the trophy in 2014.FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 winners on Day 18 Canada beat South Africa 1-0 Brazil beat Japan 2-1 Paraguay beat Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw With the Round of 32 now in full swing, the race for the FIFA World Cup 2026 title is intensifying, and Day 18 has already delivered history, heartbreak and one of the tournament's biggest surprises.