Paraguay produced one of the biggest shocks of the FIFA World Cup 2026 by eliminating Germany 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout after the teams played out a 1-1 draw following 120 minutes in their Round of 32 clash.
The South Americans held their nerve in the shootout to secure a place in the next round, ending Germany’s campaign in heartbreaking fashion. The contest remained deadlocked after regulation time and extra time, forcing penalties to determine the winner.
Paraguay struck first late in the opening half when Julio Enciso rose highest to head home and give his side a deserved lead. Germany responded early in the second half through Kai Havertz, who found the equaliser in the 52nd minute to bring the four-time world champions back into the contest.
Despite several chances at both ends, neither side could find a decisive goal during normal time, sending the match into extra time.
Germany thought they had completed the comeback in the 102nd minute when Jonathan Tah powered in a header from Nathaniel Brown’s corner. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled out after officials determined that Waldemar Anton had fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill in the build-up.
With the scores still level after 120 minutes, the match was decided from the penalty spot.
Germany converted three of their six penalties through Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala and Nadiem Amiri. However, Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Jonathan Tah all failed to convert, leaving the Germans vulnerable.
Paraguay also missed twice, with Antonio Sanabria and Fabián Balbuena unable to score. Maurício, captain Gustavo Gómez and Matías Galarza all found the net before José Canale calmly converted the decisive spot-kick to seal a famous 4-3 shootout victory.
The result marked Paraguay’s first World Cup knockout victory over Germany, having previously lost 1-0 to the Europeans in the Round of 16 at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Germany entered the tournament ranked 10th in the FIFA World Rankings, while Paraguay were 41st, making the outcome one of the tournament’s biggest surprises. It was also Germany’s first-ever World Cup defeat in a penalty shootout.
The stunning upset will rank among the greatest World Cup knockout surprises, recalling Bulgaria’s famous victory over defending champions Germany at the 1994 World Cup. For Paraguay, however, the focus is now firmly on the next challenge as they continue an unforgettable run in the tournament.
