Paraguay knock Germany out of World Cup 2026 on penalties
Germany were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup in the round of 32 after losing a penalty shootout 4-3 to Paraguay following a 1-1 draw. It is the first time Germany have lost a World Cup shootout.
Germany suffered a shocking early exit from the 2026 World Cup on Monday, losing 4-3 on penalties to Paraguay in the round of 32 at Foxborough. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, and Paraguay secured their first-ever win over Germany in a World Cup knockout stage.
Julio Enciso headed Paraguay into a surprising lead just before halftime. Germany equalized in the 54th minute through Kai Havertz, who scored his third goal of the tournament. In extra time, Germany's Jonathan Tah had a goal disallowed after a VAR review for a foul by Waldemar Anton on the Paraguay goalkeeper.
In the penalty shootout, Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill saved efforts from Havertz and Nick Woltemade. Although Paraguay missed two chances to win, Jose Canale eventually slotted the decisive spot-kick after Tah blazed his penalty over the bar.
This marks the first time Germany have lost a World Cup penalty shootout. It was also their first knockout match since winning the 2014 tournament. Paraguay now face a daunting task against France in the quarterfinals, provided France beat Sweden.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann made changes to the lineup, handing Deniz Undav his first start of the tournament in place of Jamal Musiala. Nathaniel Brown returned at left-back after missing the previous game due to a minor injury.
Paraguay welcomed back Miguel Almiron after a one-match ban for covering his mouth during an on-field confrontation under new FIFA rules. Coach Gustavo Alfaro urged his team to seize the opportunity, and they nearly scored within the first minute when Junior Alonso's header was saved by Manuel Neuer.
Germany had impressed in their opening 7-1 win over Curacao, but struggled to break down a compact Paraguay defense. After losing shape before halftime, they conceded to Enciso. Paraguay's goal was their first in a World Cup knockout stage, having failed to score in their previous five such matches, including a 1-0 loss to Germany in 2002.
Enciso later went off injured, but Paraguay held on in a tense encounter to pull off a monumental upset.
