Foxborough, USA: Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by knocking four-time champions Germany out on penalties after a 1-1 draw in their Round of 32 clash on Monday.
The South Americans triumphed 4-3 in the penalty shootout, handing Germany their first-ever World Cup defeat on penalties and booking a place in the Round of 16.
Germany, making their first World Cup knockout appearance since lifting the trophy in Brazil in 2014, dominated possession for long spells but were unable to find a way past a resilient Paraguay side led by outstanding goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
Paraguay struck first just before halftime when Julio Enciso rose unmarked to head home Matías Galarza’s inviting cross after Germany failed to clear a corner.
The goal marked Paraguay’s first-ever strike in a FIFA World Cup knockout match, ending a run of five consecutive scoreless knockout fixtures.
Germany responded strongly after the break and restored parity in the 54th minute through Kai Havertz, who glanced Florian Wirtz’s pinpoint cross into the far corner for his third goal of the tournament.
The equaliser sparked sustained German pressure as Wirtz, Leon Goretzka and Deniz Undav repeatedly tested Paraguay’s defence.
Paraguay almost regained the lead earlier in the second half after a poor back-pass from Joshua Kimmich forced veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer into a desperate race off his line to deny Enciso.
As Germany pushed forward, Gill produced a series of crucial saves, including an outstanding stop to deny Havertz from another dangerous Wirtz delivery.
Extra time failed to separate the two sides despite Germany believing they had found the winner.
Centre-back Jonathan Tah headed home from a Nathaniel Brown corner, only for the goal to be ruled out following a VAR review after Waldemar Anton was adjudged to have fouled the Paraguayan goalkeeper in the build-up.
Germany continued to pile on the pressure from set pieces, but Paraguay defended heroically to force a penalty shootout.
The shootout proved just as dramatic.
Gill saved penalties from Havertz and Nick Woltemade, although Paraguay twice missed opportunities to seal victory before defender José Canale calmly converted the decisive spot-kick after Tah blasted Germany’s fourth penalty over the crossbar.
The victory sends Paraguay into the Round of 16, where they will meet France, provided Les Bleus overcome Sweden.
For Germany, the defeat represents another disappointing World Cup campaign and extends their wait for a return to the latter stages of the tournament.
Despite topping Group E with victories over Curaçao and Ivory Coast before losing to Ecuador, Julian Nagelsmann’s side were unable to convert their dominance into victory when it mattered most.
Paraguay, meanwhile, celebrated one of the greatest victories in the nation’s football history as Gustavo Alfaro’s disciplined side continued their remarkable World Cup journey.
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