Paraguay pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after eliminating four-time champions Germany 4-3 on penalties following a thrilling 1-1 draw in their Round of 32 clash on Monday night.
The South Americans stunned the Germans with a disciplined display before holding their nerve in the shootout to book a place in the last 16.
Paraguay opened the scoring in the first half through Julio Enciso, whose close-range header rewarded his side’s determined start. Germany responded after the break as Kai Havertz headed home from a Florian Wirtz delivery to restore parity.
Both sides created chances in an entertaining contest, but neither could find a decisive goal in normal or extra time. Germany piled on the pressure late in the game, only to be denied by Paraguay’s resilient defence and goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
The match was eventually decided from the penalty spot, where Gill produced a vital save before José Canale converted the winning kick to seal a memorable victory for Paraguay.
The defeat marks Germany’s earliest World Cup exit in the expanded 48-team tournament, while Paraguay advance to the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of Tuesday’s clash between France and Sweden.
Paraguay’s victory adds another major surprise to the knockout stage as the South Americans continue their impressive run in the tournament.