Paraguay Stun Germany on Penalties to Knock Four-Time Champions Out of World Cup 2026

Germany’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign came to a dramatic end after a shock Round of 32 defeat to Paraguay, with the South Americans prevailing 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

Paraguay took the lead just before halftime when Julio Enciso headed home in the 42nd minute from a cross delivered by Matias Galarza, leaving Germany trailing 1-0 at the break after a disappointing first-half performance.

Germany responded early in the second half as Kai Havertz equalized in the 53rd minute, glancing in a header from Florian Wirtz’s cross. The four-time world champions later thought they had taken the lead through Jonathan Tah, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review determined that Paraguay’s goalkeeper had been fouled during the corner-kick situation.

With neither side able to find a winner during extra time, the match was decided by a penalty shootout. Germany endured a disastrous start as Havertz missed the opening spot kick. Nick Woltemade and Jonathan Tah also failed to convert, while Paraguay held their nerve despite missing two penalties of their own. Jose Canale scored the decisive penalty to seal a memorable victory for Paraguay.

Ranked 10th in the world by FIFA before the tournament, Germany entered the competition as heavy favorites against 41st-ranked Paraguay. The result is being widely described as one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history and among the most surprising knockout-stage eliminations ever recorded.

The defeat also marked Germany’s first-ever World Cup penalty shootout loss and extended their disappointing World Cup run, with the team still unable to progress beyond the last 16 since lifting the trophy in 2014.

Paraguay will now advance to the Round of 16, where they are scheduled to face the winner of the France vs. Sweden match in Philadelphia on July 4.