Germany aren't supposed to lose penalty shootouts, but they did this time – in spectacular fashion. The last-32 tie against Paraguay, which ended 1-1 after extra time, produced the most dramatic moment of the 2026 World Cup, according to the Guardian's Ed Aarons. 'There were plenty more games with more goals but none could match the drama,' he wrote. Germany's exit was just one twist in a tournament that also featured a 6-4 win for England over France – described as 'borderline hilarious' by Ben Fisher – and a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina comeback from two goals down to beat Egypt 3-2 in the last 16.
The strangest game, however, was Algeria 3-3 Austria, a 'completely strange fever dream' that seemed to exist on a separate plane of reality. Alexander Abnos noted that the expectation was a pre-arranged draw to send both sides through – a so-called biscotto – but stoppage-time chaos erupted instead. Elsewhere, Mexico 2-3 England at the Azteca was a 'grippingly tense' affair that Nick Ames called a high point for England, while Egypt 1-1 Iran in Seattle featured late drama, Iran hitting the woodwork twice after a disallowed stoppage-time winner.
“Germany lose penalty shootout to Paraguay; England thrash France 6-4 in 2026 World Cup of drama.”
The tournament comes after a gripping season of British football, as described in a Guardian editorial. The Champions League final in Budapest saw Arsenal lose on penalties – 'a sporting version of Russian roulette' – while Hearts came within minutes of winning a first Scottish title since 1960, humbling the Rangers and Celtic duopoly. In England, Aston Villa won their first European trophy since the 1980s, and Crystal Palace claimed the first in their history by beating Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final in Leipzig – a 'joyous climax' in front of south London fans.
Now, England and Scotland prepare for the World Cup – both competing in the same men's tournament for the first time since 1998. Thomas Tuchel's England squad flew to a pre-tournament camp in Miami on Monday, while Scotland flew to Florida on Sunday. The buildup has been overshadowed by controversy over ticket prices in the United States, but for those who can afford it, the wait is over. After a season of penalty agony and European triumphs, the question is whether either nation can go all the way.