Paraguay Stuns Germany on Penalty Kicks

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Paraguay upset four-time champion Germany by winning 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, advancing to the round of 16 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This marks Paraguay’s first progression past the round of 32 since 2010, while Germany faces its earliest knockout-stage exit since 2014.

Paraguay advanced to the round of 16 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Germany 4-3 in a penalty shootout on Monday in Foxborough, Massachusetts, following a 1-1 draw after extra time. This result marked a significant upset as Paraguay, ranked 34th by FIFA, overcame 12th-ranked Germany, a four-time World Cup champion.

The match saw Paraguay take the lead late in the first half when Julio Enciso scored with a header off a cross from Matias Galarza, concluding a well-executed team move. Germany responded early in the second half, with Kai Havertz equalizing in the 52nd minute by redirecting a cross from Florian Wirtz into the goal. Despite lopsided possession in Germany’s favor, Paraguay’s defensive organization limited German scoring opportunities.

In extra time, Germany thought they had secured a 2-1 victory when Jonathan Tah headed in a corner kick in the 102nd minute. However, the goal was disallowed after a video assistant referee (VAR) review found that Waldemar Anton had fouled Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill prior to Tah’s header. This decision contributed to mounting frustration for the German side, which had struggled to penetrate Paraguay’s defense despite multiple attempts, including a notable save by Gill on a close-range shot by Havertz at the 78th minute.

The penalty shootout proved decisive. Paraguay’s goalkeeper Orlando Gill made crucial saves, including stops against Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade, allowing Paraguay to take control despite missing two early spot kicks in the shootout. Manuel Neuer, Germany’s goalkeeper, saved one penalty from Fabian Balbuena, forcing a sixth round of kicks. However, Tah’s sixth penalty was sent high over the crossbar, securing Paraguay’s win after Jose Canale successfully converted his kick.

This victory marks Paraguay’s first World Cup progression past the round of 32 since 2010, where they reached the quarterfinals before losing to eventual champions Spain. The team, notably missing defender Omar Alderete due to injury, entered this tournament as long odds and has been praised for its unity and resilience. Canale expressed pride in the team’s performance, highlighting their cohesion and determination amid external challenges.

For Germany, this defeat represents their earliest exit since winning the World Cup in 2014. The team has not advanced beyond the group stage in the preceding two tournaments, and the loss raises questions about their ability to convert their substantial possession and scoring opportunities into wins in knockout stages. German player Kai Havertz acknowledged the team’s difficulties in creating chances and maintaining pace throughout the match.

Paraguay will now face the winner of the France versus Sweden match in the round of 16 on Saturday in Philadelphia. A victory there would set up a quarterfinal match, potentially against the winner of that bracket, back at Gillette Stadium on July 9.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.