Sports News Today: Paraguay Stun Germany, Morocco Shock Netherlands as FIFA World Cup Delivers Another Day of Knockout Drama

The FIFA World Cup headlines another packed day in sport, with Paraguay and Morocco producing stunning knockout upsets while Brazil left it late to keep their title hopes alive. Elsewhere, South Korea’s World Cup exit has sparked major changes, India continue planning for the future in cricket, and Wimbledon has begun with Naomi Osaka making an eye-catching entrance.

1. Paraguay celebrate historic World Cup upset over Germany

Paraguay’s stunning penalty shootout victory over Germany continued to dominate headlines as head coach Gustavo Alfaro praised his side for delivering one of the nation’s greatest footballing performances. Alfaro said his players executed the game plan perfectly against one of the tournament favourites, overcoming difficult weather conditions and relentless German pressure before goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as the hero in the shootout. The victory sends Paraguay into only their second-ever World Cup Round of 16, where they are likely to face France if Les Bleus overcome Sweden. Julio Enciso insisted Paraguay fear no opponent despite the challenge ahead, saying belief and discipline had carried them this far.

2. Morocco stun Netherlands on penalties to book Round of 16 spot

Morocco joined Paraguay among the tournament’s giant killers after knocking out the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout. Cody Gakpo looked to have sent the Dutch through after opening the scoring before emotionally celebrating following the recent loss of his unborn child. However, Morocco struck deep into stoppage time through Issa Diop before holding their nerve in the shootout, where Ismael Saibari converted the decisive penalty. Ronald Koeman’s side became the latest heavyweight nation to crash out as Morocco advanced to the last 16.

3. Brazil survive Japan scare as Gabriel Martinelli fires stoppage-time winner

Five-time champions Brazil narrowly avoided extra time after Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic injury-time winner to beat Japan 2-1 in Houston. Japan had taken a surprise first-half lead through Kaishu Sano before Casemiro restored parity after the break. Vinicius Junior and Brazil continued to press throughout the second half before substitute Martinelli finally broke Japanese hearts in stoppage time, sending Brazil into the Round of 16 where they will face either Ivory Coast or Norway.

4. Germany face fallout as Julian Nagelsmann refuses to resign after World Cup humiliation

Germany’s shock Round of 32 exit has intensified pressure on head coach Julian Nagelsmann, who insisted he will not resign despite calls for change following the nation’s first-ever World Cup penalty shootout defeat. Nagelsmann maintained he remains committed to leading Germany into the European Championship if the federation continues to back him, although speculation over former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp replacing him has gathered pace. Germany’s early elimination has triggered widespread criticism, with the DFB expected to review the team’s disappointing tournament.

5. South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo resigns as political pressure builds

South Korea’s disappointing World Cup campaign claimed its first major casualty after head coach Hong Myung-bo resigned following the team’s group-stage elimination. President Lee Jae Myung called for an investigation into the national team’s failure, criticising the country’s football administration and suggesting organisational shortcomings contributed to the exit. Hong accepted full responsibility and apologised to supporters, ending a controversial second spell in charge after mounting criticism from fans and the Red Devils supporters’ group.

6. India assistant coach urges patience over teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has insisted 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will have to earn his international debut despite an extraordinary IPL season. Sooryavanshi forced his way into the national squad after finishing IPL 2026 as Player of the Tournament with 776 runs, but the management has resisted calls to hand him an immediate opportunity following India’s shock series defeat to Ireland. Ten Doeschate stressed the importance of backing established players such as Sanju Samson rather than making knee-jerk selection changes, even while acknowledging the youngster is already capable of playing international cricket.

7. India set for T20 reset after Women’s World Cup exit as captaincy questions emerge

India’s group-stage exit from the Women’s T20 World Cup has prompted calls for a significant overhaul, with both captain Harmanpreet Kaur and head coach Amol Muzumdar admitting the team must rethink its T20 approach. After failing to reach the knockouts for a second successive edition, questions are growing over India’s batting roles, finishing options, pace attack and even leadership. With the next T20 World Cup still two years away, selectors are now expected to assess whether Harmanpreet should continue as captain or if Smriti Mandhana could lead the side into the next cycle.

8. Australia, India, South Africa and Great Britain qualify for cricket’s Olympic return at LA28

The ICC confirmed Australia, India, South Africa and Great Britain have secured qualification for the women’s cricket competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics through their performances at the Women’s T20 World Cup. The remaining two places will be determined through ICC qualification pathways, while qualification for the men’s event will be based on ICC rankings later this year. Cricket will return to the Olympic programme for the first time since 1900, with six teams competing in both the men’s and women’s tournaments.

9. FIFA Power Rankings spark debate as Lionel Messi trails surprise leader Deniz Undav

FIFA’s newly introduced World Cup Power Rankings have generated discussion after Germany striker Deniz Undav was ranked ahead of Lionel Messi despite Argentina’s captain leading the tournament scoring charts. Messi sits second, with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior completing the top four, while Cristiano Ronaldo is placed 79th. The rankings evaluate players across attacking, creativity and defensive metrics rather than simply goals scored, making Undav’s rise one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.

10. Naomi Osaka turns Wimbledon entrance into celebration of Japanese heritage

Away from football, Naomi Osaka stole the spotlight on Wimbledon opening day with an elaborate all-white walk-on outfit inspired by traditional Japanese ceremonial dress. Designed using upcycled vintage kimonos and a traditional wedding garment, the ensemble complied with Wimbledon dress regulations while celebrating Japanese culture. Osaka said the tournament’s emphasis on tradition inspired her to embrace her own heritage, with the outfit attracting widespread praise from fans, fellow players and fashion observers before she switched into her Nike match attire for her opening-round contest.