Germany 1-1 Paraguay (3-4 on Penalties): Paraguay Knock Out Four-Time Champions

Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by eliminating Germany 4-3 on penalties after a gripping 1-1 draw that stretched through 120 absorbing minutes in Foxborough.

Julio Enciso's first-half header had given Gustavo Alfaro's disciplined side a surprise advantage before Kai Havertz restored parity early in the second half. Germany believed they had completed the comeback in extra time through Jonathan Tah, only for VAR to rule the goal out for a foul on goalkeeper Orlando Gill. That decision proved decisive as Paraguay held their nerve from the spot to reach the round of 16.

Julian Nagelsmann's side controlled possession for long spells but struggled to convert territorial dominance into clear-cut opportunities against a Paraguay team content to defend deep and wait for moments to strike on the counter.

Germany almost found themselves behind inside two minutes when Manuel Neuer was forced into action after a dangerous Paraguay corner. From there, the Europeans settled into their rhythm, with Florian Wirtz drifting into dangerous inside-left positions and Nathaniel Brown regularly stepping into midfield to overload central areas.

Despite dominating the ball, Germany found little joy against Paraguay's compact defensive structure. Kai Havertz and Deniz Undav attempted to combine between the lines, while Joshua Kimmich's passing from deep repeatedly searched for Leroy Sané's runs in behind. Yet Orlando Gill remained largely untroubled as Paraguay defended with remarkable discipline.

The contest appeared to be drifting towards a goalless first half until Paraguay struck completely against the run of play in the 41st minute.

Germany again failed to deal with a set-piece, their recurring weakness throughout the tournament proving costly once more. After Miguel Almirón cleverly recycled possession instead of delivering immediately, the ball was worked back into the penalty area, where Enciso ghosted into space to guide a header into the bottom corner. Neuer was left exposed, while Germany's defenders were guilty of losing their markers at the decisive moment.

It was Paraguay's first meaningful opening, and they took full advantage of it.

Nagelsmann responded immediately after the interval by introducing Leon Goretzka, while Germany began the second half with greater urgency, delivering earlier crosses into the penalty area and increasing the tempo of their attacks.

The pressure paid off eight minutes after the restart.

Wirtz drifted inside from the left before producing an inviting inswinging cross that Havertz met with the faintest of glancing headers. The Arsenal forward delicately redirected the ball beyond Gill and inside the far post to level the contest with a finish that showcased both intelligence and composure.

The equaliser shifted momentum firmly in Germany's favour. Paraguay's defensive line, so resilient during the opening hour, was now under relentless pressure as Musiala's introduction added greater unpredictability between the lines.

Havertz almost completed the turnaround with another header brilliantly saved by Gill, while Germany continued to dominate corners and sustained attacks. Yet Paraguay refused to buckle, remaining organised and waiting patiently for opportunities to counter through the pace of Mauricio and Caballero after Enciso was forced off injured.

Neither side could find a decisive goal before full-time, sending the tournament's first knockout match into extra time.

Germany thought they had finally broken Paraguay's resistance in the 102nd minute when Jonathan Tah powered home Brown's corner, having repeatedly threatened from similar deliveries throughout the evening.

Celebrations were cut short.

Following a lengthy VAR review, the referee ruled that Waldemar Anton had illegally impeded Gill before the header, chalking off the goal and handing Paraguay a huge reprieve. Germany never truly recovered from the emotional blow.

Paraguay finished the stronger of the two sides during the second period of extra time as fatigue crept into Germany's play. Musiala collected a booking for a frustrated challenge, while Germany's final opportunity came from a stoppage-time free-kick that Nadiem Amiri fired into the side-netting.

The drama then shifted to penalties.

Gill immediately gave Paraguay the advantage by saving Havertz's opening penalty before Mauricio, Gómez and Galarza all converted confidently. Germany stayed alive through Kimmich, Musiala and Amiri, while Neuer briefly reignited hopes with a superb save from Fabián Balbuena after Antonio Sanabria had already dragged one wide.

However, Nick Woltemade's tame effort was saved, Jonathan Tah then blasted Germany's sixth penalty over the crossbar, and Juan Canale stepped forward to dispatch the winning kick beyond Neuer, sparking unforgettable celebrations among the Paraguayan players and supporters.

For Germany, another World Cup campaign ends in bitter disappointment. Having already suffered group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022, Nagelsmann's side returned to the knockout rounds only to fall at the first hurdle despite enjoying the majority of possession and chances. Defensive vulnerability from set pieces and a lack of cutting edge in open play once again proved costly.

For Paraguay, meanwhile, the result ranks among the greatest victories in the nation's football history. Written off before the tournament after qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams, Alfaro's side combined defensive resilience, tactical discipline and remarkable composure under pressure to eliminate one of world football's traditional heavyweights.

Their reward is a Round of 16 meeting with either France or Sweden in Philadelphia, where belief will be higher than ever that another famous chapter can yet be written.