Germany crashes out of World Cup on penalties for the first time, Paraguay advances to round of 16

Shock in Foxborough

The 2026 World Cup delivered its first major upset in the round of 32 when Paraguay toppled Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate. It marked the first time Germany lost a shootout at a World Cup, snapping a perfect 4-0 record in previous tournaments. The match at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, saw Paraguay take the lead through Julio Enciso's header in the 42nd minute. Kai Havertz equalized for Germany in the 54th minute with a header of his own, but neither side could find a winner in regulation or extra time.

VAR controversy and defensive grit

Germany thought they had won it in extra time when Jonathan Tah headed home in the 102nd minute, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review ruled an offensive foul on goalkeeper Orlando Gil. Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro praised his team's defensive resilience.

“Paraguayans are born to defend.”

German coach Julian Nagelsmann acknowledged his side's failure to break down the Paraguayan defense, saying it was wrong to blame the officials if you cannot beat Paraguay in 120 minutes.

“You can't blame the referees or penalties if you can't beat Paraguay in 120 minutes.”

Penalty drama

Gil became the hero, saving two penalties in the shootout, while Germany missed three of their six attempts. The decisive moment came when Alejo Canale converted the final spot-kick. The win sends Paraguay into a round-of-16 meeting with the winner of France versus Sweden.

German media fury

The German press eviscerated the national team. Bild called the performance "slow, boring, and lethargic" and labeled the exit "a German football nightmare." Süddeutsche Zeitung ran with "the last humiliation," while Kicker declared it "an admission of failure for German football and for Nagelsmann." The loss continues a pattern of early World Cup exits for Germany, who have now failed to reach the round of 16 in three consecutive tournaments.

Other round of 32 shocks

The same night, Morocco also stunned the Netherlands, winning 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Guadalupe, Mexico. The Dutch, like Germany, were considered favorites, and their exit added to a chaotic start to the knockout phase. Brazil narrowly avoided a similar fate, edging Japan in extra time.