Paraguay pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating four-time champions Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in their Round of 32 clash on Monday.
Germany dominated possession for much of the contest but fell behind late in the first half when Julio Enciso headed Paraguay into the lead.
The Germans responded early in the second half as Kai Havertz rose to head home Florian Wirtz’s cross, bringing the score level at 1-1.
Despite creating several chances, Germany were unable to find a winner.
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Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill produced a series of crucial saves to keep his side in the game, while a late extra-time goal from Jonathan Tah was ruled out after a VAR review for a foul in the build-up.
The match was eventually decided by a penalty shootout. Gill emerged as Paraguay’s hero by saving spot-kicks from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade. Although Manuel Neuer kept Germany alive with a save of his own, Jonathan Tah missed the decisive penalty, allowing José Canale to convert the winning kick and seal a 4-3 shootout victory.
The result sends Paraguay into the Round of 16, while Germany’s World Cup campaign ends in disappointing fashion after one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.
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