Paraguay produced one of the biggest shocks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating four-time champions Germany 4-3 on penalties to reach the Round of 16.
The thrilling Round of 32 encounter finished 1-1 after extra time before Paraguay held their nerve in the shootout to send Germany crashing out of the tournament.
Paraguay took a surprise lead in the 42nd minute through former Brighton and Ipswich Town forward Julio Enciso. The attacker rose highest to head home and give the South Americans a deserved advantage heading into the half-time break.
Germany, who struggled in the first half, returned after the interval with renewed energy and eventually found an equaliser through Arsenal forward Kai Havertz. The German attacker glanced a header into the net from a well-delivered cross by Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz.
The four-time world champions continued to push for a winner, but Paraguay’s defence remained organised and disciplined throughout the remainder of the match.
Germany thought they had secured victory in extra time when defender Jonathan Tah headed the ball into the net. However, the goal was ruled out after VAR determined that Waldemar Anton had fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill in the build-up.
The match then went to penalties, where the drama continued.
Germany’s hopes suffered an early setback when Havertz saw his penalty saved by Gill. Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade also had his effort stopped by the outstanding Paraguayan goalkeeper.
Paraguay had opportunities to win the shootout earlier, but Antonio Sanabria fired wide and Fabian Balbuena’s penalty was saved by Germany’s veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
However, after Jonathan Tah blasted Germany’s sudden-death penalty over the crossbar, defender Jose Canale stepped forward and calmly converted the decisive spot-kick to seal a famous 4-3 shootout victory for Paraguay.
The result sparked wild celebrations among the Paraguayan players and supporters, while Germany were left stunned after another disappointing World Cup campaign.
Paraguay will now face either France or Sweden in the Round of 16 in Philadelphia as they continue their remarkable journey at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For Germany, the defeat marks a painful exit and raises fresh questions about a team that arrived at the tournament as one of the favourites but failed to live up to expectations when it mattered most.
