Paraguay eliminate Germany 4-3 on penalties after 1-1 draw at World Cup

Fans in Asuncion celebrate as Paraguay beat Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, securing one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 World Cup.

Fans in Asuncion celebrate as Paraguay beat Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, securing one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 World Cup.

The four-time champions are heading home early after a dramatic night defined by VAR controversy, missed penalties, and defensive resilience, as Paraguay pulled off the biggest upset of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by eliminating Germany in the Round of 32. After a gruelling 120 minutes that ended 1-1, Germany buckled in the penalty shootout, missing three crucial spot-kicks as Paraguay held their nerve to seal a famous victory and advance dramatically. Germany thought they had found a winner in extra time through Jonathan Tah, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review for a foul in the build-up, forcing the contest into a penalty shootout. The South Americans held their nerve to win 4-3 from the spot after standard and extra time finished deadlocked at 1-1. Jose Canale slotted home the historic sudden-death penalty to send the Albirroja into the Last 16, leaving Julian Nagelsmann's heavyweights facing a bitter, premature departure on American soil. The South American side's goalkeeper Orlando Gill played a crucial role, reading the Germans well and keeping his team ahead in the contest. The goalkeeper emerged as the hero, saving penalties from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade, while Jonathan Tah also missed his spot-kick. For Paraguay, Jose Canale calmly converted the decisive penalty to seal one of the biggest upsets of the tournament and send the South Americans into the Round of 16. Paraguay, by contrast, remained flawless from the spot, sealing a historic victory as their final penalty sparked wild celebrations Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the lead in the 42nd minute before Kai Havertz equalised in the 52nd minute with a header.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup turned in its first stunning knockout stage result as Paraguay defeated four-time champions Germany in a shootout after a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes.

Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup 2026, defeating four-time champions Germany 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time to book their place in the Round of 16.Gustavo Alfaro's side delivered a disciplined defensive display, frustrating Germany for long periods despite conceding the majority of possession. Julian Nagelsmann's men patiently circulated the ball in search of an opening, but the Paraguay backline, marshalled superbly by goalkeeper Orlando Gill, repeatedly denied Leroy Sané, Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz.Paraguay's moment #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Gieu7KVjNg— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 30, 2026 Against the run of play, Paraguay struck just before half-time. Manuel Neuer punched away an outswinging corner, but La Albirroja recycled possession before Matías Galarza floated an inviting cross into the box. Julio Enciso rose unmarked to power a header into the net and hand the South Americans a surprise lead.Germany responded immediately after the restart. Wirtz delivered a teasing cross from the left and Havertz met it with a clinical header to restore parity early in the second half.The equaliser sparked relentless German pressure as they searched for a winner, while Paraguay retreated deeper and looked to threaten on the counter. Nagelsmann introduced several attacking substitutes, and Germany thought they had found the decisive goal when Jonathan Tah headed home, only for the effort to be ruled out after Waldemar Anton was adjudged to have fouled Gill in the build-up.'We Have 5, Respect': Matheus Cunha Taunts Japan's Kento Shiogai After Brazil Knocks Out Japan In FIFA World Cup 2026 | VIDEONeither side could find a breakthrough during extra time, sending the contest to a dramatic penalty shootout.Germany opted to take the first kick, but Gill immediately swung the momentum by saving Havertz's spot-kick. Both teams traded successful penalties along with a couple of misses before José Canales calmly converted the decisive kick to seal a famous victory for Paraguay.The South Americans will now face the winner of France and Sweden in Philadelphia on July 4, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.