Paraguay stuns Germany on penalties to reach World Cup quarter-finals
Germany were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup in the round of 16, losing 4-3 on penalties to Paraguay after a 1-1 draw at Gillette Stadium. It was the first time Germany failed to win a World Cup penalty shootout.
A stunning upset
Germany entered the match as heavy favourites but were undone by a disciplined Paraguay side that held firm for 120 minutes and then prevailed in the shootout. It was the first time the Germans had ever lost a penalty contest at a World Cup, ending their campaign before the quarter-finals for the first time since 2018.
Paraguay, who last appeared in the knockout rounds in 2010, were given little chance by most observers after scraping through the group stage as one of the best third-placed teams. But Gustavo Alfaro's side proved resilient, absorbing pressure and striking on the counter.
- First half: Paraguay take a surprise lead through Julio Enciso's diving header in the 42nd minute.
- Second half: Kai Havertz levels for Germany with a header from a Wirtz cross in the 54th minute.
- Extra time: Jonathan Tah's header is disallowed by VAR for a push on the goalkeeper; no further goals.
- Penalty shootout: Germany miss twice and Paraguay convert the decisive kick to win 4-3.
Match highlights
Paraguay took the lead just before half-time when Julio Enciso rose to head home a Caceres cross following a quick break. Germany had enjoyed long spells of possession but created few clear chances, and the goal was a severe blow.
The equaliser arrived nine minutes into the second half when Kai Havertz met a Florian Wirtz cross with a firm header. Germany pushed for a winner but could not break through, and the match went to extra time. Jonathan Tah had an apparent winner ruled out by VAR for a push on the goalkeeper, and the deadlock persisted.
Penalty shootout drama
The shootout was tense from the start. Havertz and Nick Woltemade missed for Germany, while Paraguay's Antonio Sanabria and Fabian Balbuena also failed to convert. Tah blazed over the bar, and Paraguay's final kick from Canale sealed the historic victory.
What they said
We have faced teams of the same calibre, even superior to Germany, and we succeeded.
The Paraguay coach had earlier drawn confidence from his team's qualifying victories over Argentina and Brazil. His side will now await the winner of France versus Sweden in the quarter-finals.
What lies ahead
The result caps a disappointing tournament for Julian Nagelsmann's side, who had struggled in the group stages with a defeat to Ecuador and a laboured win over Ivory Coast. For Paraguay, it is a chance to emulate their 2010 run, when they reached the quarter-finals before losing to Spain.
