Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by knocking Germany out on penalties after a gripping 1-1 draw that stretched through extra time in Boston on Monday.
The South Americans prevailed 4-3 in the shootout to book their place in the round of 16, where they will face the winner of the clash between France and Sweden. The victory also secured Paraguay’s first ever FIFA World Cup knockout triumph.
Beyond progressing in the tournament, Paraguay achieved something no other nation had managed before. Germany, long regarded as the benchmark in World Cup penalty shootouts, suffered their first ever defeat from the spot in the competition.
It was a painful end for a German side that had controlled large spells of possession but struggled to convert their dominance into clear-cut chances against a disciplined Paraguayan defence that remained dangerous on the counterattack throughout the contest.
Historic Shootout Record Finally Broken
Germany entered the match with an impeccable record in FIFA World Cup penalty shootouts. Before facing Paraguay, they had won all four previous shootouts in the tournament, overcoming France in 1982, Mexico in 1986, England in 1990 and Argentina in 2006.
Across those four contests, Germany had taken 18 penalties and failed to score only once, building a reputation as the most reliable team when matches were decided from 12 yards.
That remarkable record came to an end in Boston as Paraguay held their nerve to write a new chapter in World Cup history. The victory will be remembered not only for sending Paraguay through but also for ending one of football’s longest-standing tournament streaks.
Enciso and Havertz Exchange Goals
Paraguay struck first just four minutes before halftime through Strasbourg midfielder Julio Enciso. Left unmarked inside the penalty area, Enciso met a precise cross from Mathias Galazar with a powerful header that gave Manuel Neuer no chance.
Germany responded positively after the restart and restored parity nine minutes into the second half. Florian Wirtz picked out Kai Havertz, who calmly finished to register his third goal of the tournament and breathe new life into Germany’s campaign.
The equaliser shifted momentum towards the Europeans, who continued to dominate possession while Paraguay remained compact and looked to exploit spaces on the break.
Despite Germany’s territorial advantage, Paraguay’s defence stood firm, with goalkeeper Orlando Gill producing a composed display whenever he was called into action.
VAR Drama Before Penalty Heartbreak
Neither side managed to find a winner in normal time, forcing the contest into an additional 30 minutes.
Die Mannschaft thought they had finally broken through when Jonathan Tah powered the ball into the net during extra time from Joshua Kimmich’s corner delivery. However, celebrations were cut short after a VAR review.
The referee was advised to consult the pitchside monitor and eventually ruled out the goal after determining that defender Waldemar Anton had impeded goalkeeper Orlando Gill, preventing him from making a legitimate attempt to claim the ball.
With the score still locked at 1-1 after 120 minutes, the match was left to the drama of penalties.
Gill and Neuer Show Class in the Shootoutd
Both goalkeepers played decisive roles in the shootout. Gill denied two German efforts saving the efforts of both Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade during the opening five kicks.
Neuer also produced two outstanding saves when Paraguay had opportunities to secure victory before sudden death, briefly giving Germany renewed hope.
That hope disappeared almost immediately. Jonathan Tah blasted Germany’s sixth penalty over the crossbar, handing Paraguay one final opportunity to complete the upset.
José Canale stepped forward with confidence and calmly sent Neuer the wrong way to spark wild celebrations among the Paraguayan players and supporters.
A Familiar World Cup Story For German
For Germany, four-time World champions, the defeat continues a disappointing run at the FIFA World Cup since lifting the trophy in Brazil in 2014.
They failed to progress beyond the group stage in both Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, and although they finally returned to the knockout phase in 2026, their campaign ended at the first hurdle in the newly introduced round of 32.
Paraguay, meanwhile, march into the round of 16 with renewed belief after producing one of the tournament’s most memorable results.
Their resilience, defensive discipline and composure under pressure have earned them a historic victory, and they will now turn their attention to a meeting with either France or Sweden as they chase an unprecedented deep run at the World Cup.
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