Paraguay Stun Germany on Penalties to Reach World Cup Round of 16
Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by eliminating four-time champions Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in their Round of 32 clash.
Germany entered the match as favorites and dominated possession for long spells, but Paraguay remained disciplined at the back and struck first when Julio Enciso headed home in the 42nd minute to give the South Americans a surprise lead before halftime.
The Germans responded early in the second half as Kai Havertz rose highest to head in the equalizer, setting up a tense battle between the two sides. Germany thought they had completed the comeback during extra time when Jonathan Tah found the net, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review for a foul in the build-up.
With neither team able to find a winner after 120 minutes, the contest was decided by penalties. Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as the hero, making crucial saves, while Germany missed three of their spot kicks. José Canale calmly converted the decisive penalty to seal a famous 4-3 shootout victory.
The defeat marks Germany’s first-ever World Cup elimination via a penalty shootout and ends their hopes of lifting a fifth world title. For Paraguay, the historic triumph sends them into the Round of 16, where they will continue their remarkable World Cup journey after knocking out one of football’s biggest giants.
The result will go down as one of the most memorable shocks of the tournament, with Paraguay’s resilience, determination, and composure under pressure proving enough to overcome one of the competition’s traditional powerhouses.
