Historic upset sees 41st-ranked Paraguay eliminate Germany after dramatic shootout defeat in 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage.
PHILADELPHIA, USA – Paraguay have produced one of the greatest shocks in FIFA World Cup history after eliminating four-time champions Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout victory following a 1-1 draw in their 2026 World Cup Round of 32 clash.
The stunning result ended Germany’s campaign in a tournament where expectations were high, with the European giants entering as one of the competition’s traditional powerhouses.
Paraguay took control of the match before halftime when Julio Enciso headed in a 42nd-minute opener from a cross by Matías Galarza.
Germany struggled to find rhythm in the opening half, producing a disappointing performance as Paraguay defended their lead with confidence.
However, the Germans responded after the break, equalising eight minutes into the second half through Kai Havertz, who connected with a delivery from Florian Wirtz to send the match into a tense finish.
Germany thought they had completed the comeback when Jonathan Tah scored from a corner, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review for a foul on Paraguay’s goalkeeper.
With no further goals during regulation and extra time, the match moved to a penalty shootout — where Paraguay held their nerve to complete one of football’s biggest World Cup surprises.
Havertz missed Germany’s opening penalty, while Nick Woltemade and Tah also failed from the spot. Paraguay scored the decisive penalty through José Canale to secure a historic 4-3 shootout victory.
A World Cup Upset for the Ages
The result is being described as one of the biggest knockout-stage upsets in World Cup history.
Germany entered the tournament ranked 10th in the world by FIFA, while Paraguay arrived ranked 41st, highlighting the scale of the surprise.
The defeat surpasses previous famous German World Cup disappointments, including their 1994 loss to Bulgaria in the quarter-finals, when the defending champions were eliminated by a side inspired by Ballon d’Or winner Hristo Stoichkov.
The loss also marked Germany’s first-ever World Cup penalty shootout defeat and continues a difficult period for the national team, which has failed to reach the last 16 since winning the tournament in 2014.
Paraguay Dream Continues
Paraguay’s historic run continues, with the South Americans advancing to the last 16 where they will face either France or Sweden in Philadelphia on July 4.
The victory will be remembered as a defining moment in Paraguay’s football history and one of the most unexpected results ever witnessed on the World Cup stage.
