Paraguay shock Germany on penalties in biggest upset of World Cup
TLE Desk: Paraguay produced the biggest upset of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating four-time champions Germany 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw, booking their place in the round of 16.
Defender José Canale, making his first start of the tournament, converted the decisive sudden-death penalty after Germany’s Jonathan Tah blasted his spot-kick over the crossbar.
Goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as Paraguay’s hero, making two crucial saves during the shootout to send the South American side through and eliminate one of the tournament favourites.
The victory sparked jubilant celebrations among Paraguayan supporters in Foxborough and back home in the capital, Asunción, where thousands took to the streets waving flags, singing and embracing after the final kick.
“I think we deserved one more game,” Canale said. “What I want to highlight is how united we are. Today we showed our true colours.”
Paraguay became the first team ever to defeat Germany in a World Cup penalty shootout. Germany missed three of their six penalties, with Tah’s miss proving decisive after goalkeeper Manuel Neuer had earlier kept Germany alive by saving Fabian Balbuena’s attempt.
Germany thought they had secured victory in extra time when Tah headed home from a corner in the 102nd minute. However, following a VAR review, the goal was ruled out after officials determined that Waldemar Anton had fouled Gill before the header.
The match had ended 1-1 after extra time.
Paraguay took the lead in the 42nd minute when Julio Enciso headed home from a cross by Matias Galarza after an incisive passing move initiated by Miguel Almirón.
Germany equalised seven minutes into the second half as Kai Havertz redirected Florian Wirtz’s cross beyond Gill.
Despite dominating possession for long periods, Germany struggled to break down Paraguay’s disciplined defensive formation and failed to convert their superiority into clear chances.
Ranked 41st in the FIFA rankings, Paraguay entered the match as one of the tournament’s biggest underdogs against the 10th-ranked Germans.
The victory also marked revenge for Paraguay, who lost 1-0 to Germany in the round of 16 at the 2002 World Cup.
Germany’s latest disappointment extends a difficult run at World Cups. Since lifting the trophy in Brazil in 2014, they have now failed to progress beyond the last 32, having also exited during the group stage in the previous two tournaments.
“It is not enough for German football,” coach Julian Nagelsmann said.
Havertz admitted the result was another painful setback.
“We had very big plans for this World Cup. It’s very difficult to disappoint again,” he said.
Paraguay will now face the winner of the France-Sweden match in the round of 16 in Philadelphia on Saturday.
