Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by eliminating Germany on penalties after a thrilling 1-1 draw in their Round of 32 clash in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The South Americans held their nerve in the shootout to win 4-3, ending Germany’s hopes of lifting a fifth World Cup title and booking their place in the last 16.
Germany entered the match as favourites after topping their group with impressive performances, but Paraguay once again showed why they have become one of the tournament’s surprise packages. A disciplined defensive display, clinical finishing and nerves of steel from the penalty spot earned Gustavo Alfaro’s side a famous victory.
Paraguay Strike First
Germany dominated possession from the opening whistle and looked determined to stamp their authority on the contest. Julian Nagelsmann’s side created several promising opportunities, but Paraguay remained compact at the back and frustrated the European giants with organised defending.
Paraguay made Germany pay for failing to convert their early chances when Julio Enciso found the breakthrough before half-time. The talented forward rose highest to head home from a well-delivered cross, sending the Paraguayan supporters into celebration and giving his side a priceless lead.
The goal forced Germany onto the front foot even more as they searched for a response before the break, but Paraguay defended resolutely to take their advantage into half-time.
Germany Respond After the Break
Germany emerged for the second half with renewed urgency and eventually found the equaliser through Kai Havertz. The experienced attacker finished confidently after sustained pressure from the Germans, bringing the score level and shifting momentum back in favour of the four-time world champions.
With the scores level, Germany looked the more likely side to find a winner. They controlled possession, moved the ball quickly and continued to create openings around the Paraguay penalty area.
Paraguay, however, refused to panic. They continued to defend with discipline while looking to threaten on the counterattack whenever opportunities arose. Their resilience ensured the match remained level as normal time came to an end.
VAR Denies Germany
Extra time produced even more drama as Germany believed they had finally found the winning goal. Jonathan Tah bundled the ball into the back of the net, only for celebrations to be cut short after a lengthy VAR review ruled the goal out.
The decision gave Paraguay renewed belief as they successfully navigated the closing stages of extra time. With neither side able to find another breakthrough, the match headed to a penalty shootout.
Gill Becomes Paraguay’s Hero
Penalty shootouts often produce unforgettable heroes, and this time it was Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill who stole the spotlight.
Gill produced crucial saves to deny Germany during the shootout, while Germany’s normally reliable penalty takers failed to deliver under pressure. Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Jonathan Tah all missed from the spot, leaving Paraguay in control.
José Canale calmly converted the decisive penalty to spark wild celebrations among the Paraguayan players, coaching staff and thousands of travelling supporters. The successful spot kick sealed a memorable 4-3 shootout victory and confirmed one of the biggest surprises of the tournament.
A Historic Night for Paraguay
The victory will be remembered as one of the greatest moments in Paraguay’s football history. Eliminating one of the world’s traditional football powers on the biggest stage demonstrated the character, organisation and belief within Alfaro’s squad.
It also marked Germany’s first defeat in a World Cup penalty shootout, adding another remarkable chapter to Paraguay’s achievement.
The celebrations quickly spread across Paraguay, with supporters flooding the streets after witnessing their national team reach the knockout stages in unforgettable fashion.
Looking Ahead
Paraguay now advance to the Round of 16, where another difficult challenge awaits against the winner of France and Sweden. Having already eliminated Germany, confidence within the squad will be sky high as they continue their remarkable World Cup journey.
For Germany, the defeat represents another painful exit from a major tournament. Despite dominating large periods of the match, missed opportunities, a disallowed extra-time goal and costly penalty misses proved decisive.
While Germany return home wondering what might have been, Paraguay march on with momentum, belief and the dream of producing even more World Cup history.