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Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after eliminating four-time champions Germany 4-3 on penalties to book a place in the last 16.
The round-of-32 clash finished 1-1 after extra time before Paraguay held their nerve in the shootout, ending Germany’s hopes of another world title.
Penalty drama ends Germany’s campaign
Germany’s problems began immediately in the shootout when goalkeeper Orlando Gill denied Arsenal forward Kai Havertz from the spot. Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade also saw his effort saved, giving Paraguay the advantage.
Paraguay had opportunities to seal victory earlier as Antonio Sanabria fired wide and veteran Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer kept his side alive by saving Fabian Balbuena’s penalty.
The contest was finally settled in sudden death when Jonathan Tah blasted Germany’s spot-kick over the crossbar before defender Jose Canale calmly converted the decisive penalty to send the South Americans through.
Paraguay recover after Germany response
Paraguay had taken the lead just before half-time through Julio Enciso, whose header gave the underdogs a deserved advantage after an impressive opening period.
Germany improved significantly after the break and found an equaliser when Kai Havertz glanced Florian Wirtz’s cross into the net.
The Europeans thought they had completed the comeback in extra time when Jonathan Tah headed home, but the goal was ruled out after Waldemar Anton was judged to have fouled goalkeeper Orlando Gill in the build-up.
Paraguay defended resolutely for the remainder of the match before relying on Gill’s heroics in the penalty shootout to complete a famous victory.
The result sends Paraguay into the last 16, where they will face either France or Sweden in Philadelphia, while Germany exit the tournament despite entering the knockout stage as one of the pre-tournament favourites.