Paraguay produced one of the biggest shocks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by knocking out four-time champions Germany on penalties after a resilient 1-1 draw in the Round of 32.
Few expected Gustavo Alfaro’s side to overcome one of international football’s traditional powerhouses, but Paraguay combined defensive discipline with clinical finishing to secure a memorable victory.
The South Americans spent much of the first half defending deep, frustrating Germany’s attempts to play through the lines. Their patience was rewarded just before half-time when Julio Enciso ghosted between the centre-backs to head beyond Manuel Neuer and stun the German supporters.
READ MORE:Paraguay stun Germany on penalties to book World Cup Round of 16 spot
Germany eventually found a response through Kai Havertz early in the second period, but Paraguay never abandoned their organised defensive approach. Every player tracked back, closed passing lanes and denied Germany the space needed to create high-quality opportunities.
Goalkeeper Orlando Gill was outstanding throughout the contest, making several crucial saves and commanding his penalty area with authority. Centre-backs Gustavo Gomez and Jose Canale also produced immense performances, constantly winning aerial battles and clearing dangerous deliveries.
Although injuries forced Enciso and Gabriel Avalos off before the end of normal time, Paraguay’s substitutes maintained the intensity and remained dangerous on the counterattack whenever Germany committed bodies forward.
Extra time brought further pressure, but Paraguay survived a disallowed German goal before holding their nerve in the penalty shootout. Germany blinked first, missing twice from the spot, allowing Paraguay to convert four penalties and book a historic place in the Round of 16.
It was a victory built on organisation, resilience and belief ,qualities that have become trademarks of Alfaro’s side throughout the tournament.
Paraguay Player Ratings
Orlando Gill – 8.5/10 Produced several crucial saves, commanded his area confidently and played a key role in the penalty shootout triumph denying Germany twice.
Juan Jose Caceres – 7/10 Defended diligently and rarely allowed Germany space down his flank.
Gustavo Gomez – 8/10 A commanding captain who led by example with strong tackles, interceptions and aerial dominance.
Jose Canale – 8/10 Outstanding performance at the heart of defence, repeatedly denying Germany in dangerous areas.
Junior Alonso – 7/10 Solid defensively and nearly scored early after forcing Neuer into a save.
Miguel Almiron – 7/10 Worked tirelessly on both sides of the ball and carried Paraguay forward whenever possible.
Andres Cubas – 6/10 Shielded the defence effectively and kept his midfield shape throughout.
Damian Bobadilla – 6/10 Disciplined display in midfield, helping Paraguay remain compact.
Matias Galarza – 7/10 Covered plenty of ground and battled aggressively throughout the match.
Julio Enciso – 8/10 Scored the opening goal with an excellent header and caused Germany problems before his injury.
Gabriel Avalos – 6/10 Worked hard up front before being forced off through injury.
Substitutes
- Gustavo Caballero – 7/10
- Mauricio – 7/10
- Gustavo Velazquez – 5/10
- Braian Ojeda – 5/10
- Antonio Sanabria – 6/10
- Fabian Balbuena – N/A (Late substitute)
Read more about other World Cup teams in 2026 below:
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Argentina national football team 2026
Mexico national football team 2026
Spain national football team 2026
Brazil national football team 2026
France national football team 2026
Senegal national football team 2026