The elimination stage of the global football tournament commenced with high-intensity fixtures and unpredictable outcomes across North American venues. In Houston, Brazil secured a narrow 2:1 victory over Japan to advance to the round of 16. Although the Asian squad took an early lead, second-half goals from Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli turned the match in favor of the South Americans.

The biggest upset of the tournament's opening playoff day occurred in Foxborough, where Germany was eliminated by Paraguay. The intense match remained deadlocked at 1:1 through regular and extra time, during which a potential German winner was disallowed by VAR. Ultimately, the Paraguayan team demonstrated superior execution in the penalty shootout, winning 4:3.

Another major European contender exited the competition in Guadalupe, Mexico, where Morocco defeated the Netherlands. The Dutch team held a lead until stoppage time when the North African side equalized to force extra time. In the subsequent penalty sequence, Morocco proved more precise, clinching a 3:2 shootout victory to secure their spot in the next phase.

The tournament schedule moves forward immediately with several highly anticipated fixtures to complete the round of 16 bracket. Upcoming matches will feature decisive encounters between Ivory Coast and Norway, France against Sweden, and host nation Mexico taking on Ecuador.