FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — In arguably the greatest shock of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far, Paraguay pulled off an extraordinary upset by dumping four-time world champions Germany out of the tournament in the Round of 32. Following a grueling 1-1 draw through 120 minutes of regular and extra time, the South American side held their nerve to triumph 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout.
The defeat shatters one of international football’s most legendary records: this marks the first time in history that Germany has ever lost a penalty shootout at a World Cup.
Match Statistics
| Match Statistic | Germany 🇩🇪 | Paraguay 🇵🇾 |
| Goals (Regular Time) | 1 (Kai Havertz 54′) | 1 (Julio Enciso 42′) |
| Shootout Score | 3 | 4 |
| Tournament Status | Eliminated | Advanced to Round of 16 |
How It Happened: Gritty Defence & Late Drama
The contest began with a familiar blueprint as Germany dominated the ball, seeking a way through a stubborn, structured Paraguayan defensive block. Time and again, the European side circulated possession, but threats from Leroy Sané and Florian Wirtz were masterfully shut out by goalkeeper Orlando Gill and his backline.
Against the run of play, Paraguay struck first in the 42nd minute. Following a cleared corner, Matías Galarza whipped a beautiful, looping cross back into the box, finding a wide-open Julio Enciso, who cleanly headed it past Manuel Neuer.
Germany emerged with intense urgency after halftime. Their tactical adjustments paid dividends in the 54th minute when Wirtz turned provider, delivering a pinpoint cross from the left wing for Kai Havertz to nod home the equalizer.
Extra-Time Heartbreak
Julian Nagelsmann threw on all his available attacking options to find a late winner. Germany believed they had finally broken Paraguayan hearts during extra time when Jonathan Tah headed home a corner kick. However, following a tense VAR review, the goal was controversially disallowed due to a shifting foul by Waldemar Anton on goalkeeper Orlando Gill, sending the match to spot-kicks.
The Historic Penalty Shootout
With neither side breaking the deadlock after 120 grueling minutes, the match moved to penalties. Germany elected to shoot first in front of their traveling fans, but their flawless historic record unraveled instantly.
Orlando Gill denied Kai Havertz’s opening strike. While substitute Nick Woltemade later missed Germany’s fourth penalty, a wide miss from Antonio Sanabria temporarily kept German hopes alive. In sudden death, Jonathan Tah blazed his kick over the crossbar. Up stepped Paraguayan defender José Canale, who calmly slotted the winning penalty into the net to seal an iconic piece of football history.
An emotional Orlando Gill noted post-match, “We had to analyze every player, every detail. This is a historic moment for the people of Paraguay.”
Watch Official Match Highlights
Below are the official match coverages and alternative broadcast highlights from this legendary fixture:
Official 2026 World Cup Highlights (Feed A):
Alternative Match Coverage & Penalty Drama (Feed B):