One of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolded in the Round of 32 as Paraguay eliminated tournament favorite Germany in a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout after the teams were locked at 1-1 following 120 minutes at Boston Stadium on Monday, June 30, 2026.
Paraguay, who had appeared destined for an early exit after suffering a 4-1 defeat to the United States in their opening group-stage match, instead produced a remarkable turnaround to knock out the four-time world champions. They took the lead just before halftime through a powerful header from Julio Enciso.
Germany equalized in the second half through Kai Havertz. Die Mannschaft thought they had completed the comeback when Jonathan Tah found the net during extra time, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review determined that Tah had committed a foul on Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
Despite dominating possession with 75 percent of the ball and completing more than 700 passes, Germany struggled to break down Paraguay’s disciplined defensive setup.
In the penalty shootout, Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade both failed to beat Gill, while José Canale calmly converted the decisive spot kick to send Paraguay into the Round of 16.
The defeat also ended Germany’s perfect record in World Cup penalty shootouts. Before this match, they had won all four previous shootouts, defeating France (1982), Mexico (1986), England (1990), and Argentina (2006).
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann admitted his side had once again fallen short of expectations after previous group-stage eliminations in the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups. He acknowledged that Paraguay played with greater determination and fully deserved the victory.
“If we are eliminated early again, that is simply not good enough for German football. This is our third consecutive early exit, and we must find solutions for the future,” Nagelsmann said.
Nagelsmann also described the VAR decision to disallow Tah’s goal as difficult to accept. However, he refused to blame the officials and insisted that Germany needed comprehensive improvements moving forward.
Paraguay’s Historic Achievement
For Paraguay, the victory ranks among the greatest moments in the nation’s World Cup history.
Head coach Gustavo Alfaro’s side overcame Germany through disciplined defending and clinical finishing in crucial moments, securing one of the country’s most memorable victories on the world stage.
“Thankfully, I managed to save two penalties. It is a great honor. We eliminated a world champion, and I dedicate this achievement to all the people of Paraguay,” Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill said.***
