The World Cup knockouts began with a bang — and two of the pre-tournament favourites are already gone. Add a record for Harry Kane, more history for Kylian Mbappé and a Brazilian comeback, and the last 32 gave us plenty.

Watch the full World Cup Brief above — then dive into each of the five stories below.

1. Germany crash out

The first giant has fallen. Germany, four-time world champions, are out — beaten by Paraguay in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in Boston. Julián Enciso had put Paraguay ahead, Kai Havertz levelled just after the hour, and a late Jonathan Tah goal was controversially ruled out before a goalless extra time sent it to spot-kicks.

There, Germany fell apart: Havertz, Woltemade and Tah all missed as Paraguay held their nerve to win 4-3 — the first time Germany have ever lost a World Cup shootout. Ranked 41st in the world against Germany's 10th, Gustavo Alfaro's side rode a disciplined game plan and goalkeeper Orlando Gill. For Germany, it's a third straight World Cup without reaching the last 16, and the pressure on Julian Nagelsmann is mounting.

Full story: Germany dumped out on penalties by Paraguay

2. Netherlands out, Koeman quits

Barely a day later, another heavyweight was gone. Cody Gakpo had put the Netherlands ahead in Monterrey, but Issa Diop levelled in the 90th minute, and after extra time it went to penalties. The Dutch crumbled — Kluivert, Timber and Summerville all missing — as Morocco's Ismael Saibari sealed a 3-2 shootout win to set up a last-16 tie with Canada.

Within hours, Ronald Koeman resigned. "Last night, I made the decision to conclude my tenure as head coach of the Dutch national team," he wrote on Instagram, looking back with pride and gratitude. Dutch legends savaged the penalty technique, and Koeman had been criticised for a defensive switch. Two of the pre-tournament contenders, gone inside 24 hours.

Full story: Netherlands backlash grows after the Morocco shootout loss

3. Kane passes Pelé

England needed rescuing, and Harry Kane answered. His two goals saw off a stubborn DR Congo 2-1 in Atlanta — and the second took him past Pelé on the all-time list of World Cup goalscorers, to 13. It was far from convincing: Brian Cipenga beat Jordan Pickford at his near post inside seven minutes, and DR Congo's Lionel Mpasi denied Bellingham twice, before Thomas Tuchel's substitutes turned it — Anthony Gordon setting up Kane's leveller before the captain struck again.

England are through, but with plenty to fix, and co-hosts Mexico await in the last 16.

Full story: Kane scores twice as England beat DR Congo 2-1

4. Mbappé makes history

France remain ominous. A 3-0 win over Sweden sent them cruising into the last 16 — and a Kylian Mbappé brace set a new record for goals in the World Cup knockout stage. Mbappé struck on the stroke of half-time from a Dembélé pass, Bradley Barcola made it two, and Mbappé rounded it off, with Michael Olise providing two assists.

Didier Deschamps was back on the touchline having missed the Norway game for his mother's funeral, and his side look the team to beat. Next up: Paraguay — the team that just knocked out Germany.

Full story: Mbappé breaks the World Cup knockout scoring record

5. Brazil's comeback

Brazil left it late but got there. Trailing Japan in Houston, they turned it around to win 2-1 — for their first World Cup knockout comeback since their 2002 triumph. Carlo Ancelotti's half-time changes flipped it: Casemiro, much-maligned of late, headed the equaliser, and Gabriel Martinelli came off the bench to win it.

It had Ancelotti's fingerprints all over it — two decisive changes, and redemption for Casemiro — as Brazil reached the last 16 the hard way.

Full story: Martinelli seals Brazil's 2-1 comeback over Japan

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Compiled by the ClutchBrief Desk with AI assistance, cross-checked against 12 outlets. How we work →