Four-time World Cup champions Germany were bundled out of the 2026 tournament in North America in stunning way as Paraguay eliminated them on penalties 1(4) -1(3) on Tuesday in the Round of 32 in Boston.
It marks the first time Germany have ever lost a penalty shootout at a World Cup, while also signalling another premature exit for the Die Mannschaft, who were making their first knockout-stage appearance since winning the 2014 World Cup.
Julio Enciso headed Paraguay into a shock lead before half-time after Germany struggled to break down a compact Paraguayan defence.
Deniz Undav had earlier floated an effort wide, and Germany paid the price for losing their shape just before the break, allowing Enciso to head home.
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Paraguay stun Germany on penalties
However, Kai Havertz levelled for Germany in the 54th minute with his third goal of the tournament.
Germany finally breached Paraguay’s resolute backline when Florian Wirtz cut in from the left and delivered a pinpoint cross that Havertz glanced into the far corner to calm his side’s nerves.
Jonathan Tah thought he had put Germany ahead with a powerful back-post header from Nathaniel Brown’s looping corner, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review for a foul by Waldemar Anton on the goalkeeper.
Paraguay then held their nerve to stun Germany in a dramatic, tension-filled shootout as the momentum swung back and forth.
Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill produced crucial saves to deny Havertz and Nick Woltemade, but his teammates squandered two opportunities to seal victory before José Canale blasted home the winning spot-kick after Tah had fired his effort over the bar.
Paraguay celebrated arguably their greatest victory of the tournament, but they now face the daunting prospect of meeting an in-form France in the next round, should Les Bleus overcome Sweden.
Remarkably, it was Paraguay’s first goal in a World Cup knockout-stage match, having failed to score in their previous five such games, including a 1-0 defeat to Germany in the Round of 16 in 2002.
Read more about other World Cup teams in 2026 below:
Morocco national football team 2026
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