Paraguay pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, knocking four-time champions Germany out on penalties after a gripping 1-1 draw following extra time on Monday.
The South Americans triumphed 4-3 in the shootout, handing Germany their first-ever defeat in a World Cup penalty shootout and securing a place in the Round of 16.
Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Jonathan Tah all missed from the spot as the world’s 41st-ranked side stunned one of football’s traditional powerhouses.
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Germany became the first major nation to be eliminated in the tournament’s new Round of 32 format.
Paraguay had to do it the hard way. Antonio Sanabria fired one penalty wide, while Fabian Balbuena saw his effort saved by 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, missing two opportunities to wrap up the contest.
However, after Jonathan Tah blasted Germany’s sudden-death penalty over the crossbar, defender José Canale kept his composure to convert the decisive spot-kick and spark wild celebrations among the Paraguay players and supporters.
Earlier, former Brighton and Ipswich forward Julio Enciso had given Paraguay a deserved lead in the 42nd minute with a well-taken header.
Germany responded strongly after the break and restored parity when Kai Havertz glanced home a cross from Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz.
The shootout began badly for Germany as Havertz saw his opening penalty saved by Gill before Woltemade was also denied. Despite Paraguay’s missed opportunities, Canale held his nerve when it mattered most to seal a famous victory.
Paraguay will now face either two-time world champions France or 1958 runners-up Sweden in the Round of 16 in Philadelphia on Saturday.
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