The Round of 32 continues with another loaded knockout slate, and the pressure only gets bigger from here. Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, Paraguay, and Morocco all step into matches where one mistake, one finish, or one moment of brilliance can decide who keeps the World Cup dream alive.
Brazil vs. Japan
This is going to be a great game and a much closer contest than most people think.
Brazil is playing very well and, of course, has talented players in nearly every position except striker. It will be difficult for Japan to find the back of the net because Coach Carlo Ancelotti has Brazil playing more compact and disciplined defensively, especially in transition, than some past Brazilian teams.
Japan, however, moves the ball well with careful decisions and precision passing. They have shown skill, chemistry, and confidence throughout the tournament, and they will not be intimidated by the stage.
Both teams are undefeated in the tournament, and both have proven they can score, with each side sitting at seven goals. While both teams will be shooting for the stars in Houston and launching beautiful attacks, Suzuki for Japan and Alisson for Brazil will be on high alert in goal, hoping to keep the nets clean.
The unstoppable Vini Jr. will likely have help from Neymar to keep the Samurai Blue on their toes, while goal scorers Daichi Kamada and Ayase Ueda will keep pressure on the Seleção in end-to-end action.
It is going to be a memorable game that should produce amazing soccer moments from both teams.
Pro Paul’s Pick: Brazil wins.
Germany vs. Paraguay
Die Mannschaft easily won its first two matches, sealing the deal as group winner before stepping onto the pitch for its third group match against Ecuador. Ecuador pulled off a must-win result to stay alive and qualify as one of the eight third-place finishers.
That loss did not seem to rattle the Germans. They were able to rest key players and protect others sitting on yellow cards in preparation for the Round of 32. Actually, it could not have worked out much better. Germany got to play a South American side that shares some similarities with Paraguay, giving them a head start on preparation.
Paraguay barely qualified for the World Cup and barely qualified for the knockout stage, but none of that matters now. The stage is set for them to potentially defeat a top-five team in the tournament and shock the world.
Paraguay enters the knockout stage having scored only two goals, one against Türkiye in a 1-0 victory and one against the USA in a 4-1 loss. In comparison, Germany has scored 10 goals and allowed four.
This game could be very tight if Germany struggles to break down Paraguay’s strong defensive wall with five in the back. Or, if Paraguay strikes first, it could launch another epic German comeback.
All odds favor Germany, but do not discount the South American qualifier, who will feel familiar playing in the USA.
Pro Paul’s Pick: Germany wins.
Netherlands vs. Morocco
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has just gotten seriously intense, and the suspense will have billions of soccer fans around the globe on the edge of their seats.
This is a blockbuster, must-see match. It is the kind of game that could be talked about for decades. First, FIFA-ranked No. 7 Morocco had to play No. 6 Brazil in group play, and now the Atlas Lions face No. 8 Netherlands in the elimination Round of 32.
To put this in clearer context, Morocco was a semifinalist at the last World Cup and will be a co-host of the next World Cup. The Netherlands’ golden-age players are in their prime, and experts have the Oranje challenging to win this World Cup.
The Netherlands are deep, strong, and hungry, with star power like Cody Gakpo, Denzel Dumfries, and Brian Brobbey leading the Oranje attack. Morocco is equally fierce and hungry, coming right back with star power of its own through Ismael Saibari, Achraf Hakimi, and Brahim Díaz for the Atlas Lions.
These two heavyweight powerhouses will clash on the pitch in a high-stakes knockout match. With attention to detail, tensions will rise around potential mistakes, big set pieces, and emotional moments.
The world waits for moments of brilliance and unsung heroes to capture our hearts. This game will definitely have a winner, perhaps not from the team with more possession or better overall play, but from a player coming off the bench who makes all the difference for either the Oranje of the Netherlands or the Atlas Lions of Morocco.
Pro Paul’s Pick: Netherlands wins.
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