By Francis Onyach - Reporter
USA, June 30, 2026 - One of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is complete.
Four-time world champions Germany have been sensationally eliminated by Paraguay after losing 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time. The result sends Paraguay into the Round of 16 and extends Germany's painful recent World Cup record, with Julian Nagelsmann's side once again failing to reach the last 16 despite entering the tournament as one of the favourites.
Played before a packed crowd at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, the Round of 32 encounter was expected to be a routine victory for Germany. Paraguay had only reached the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams after recovering from an opening defeat to the United States with a win over Turkey and a draw against Australia. Germany, meanwhile, had topped much of the pre-tournament conversation despite an inconsistent group-stage campaign that included a shock defeat to Ecuador.
Despite enjoying nearly 80 percent possession during the opening half, Germany struggled to create meaningful chances against Gustavo Alfaro's disciplined defensive setup. Paraguay remained patient, absorbed wave after wave of German possession, and struck when their opportunity arrived.
Three minutes before half-time, Julio Enciso rose highest inside the penalty area to power home a header and stun the four-time champions. Germany's defence switched off at the crucial moment, allowing the Paraguayan forward to give his side a deserved 1-0 lead heading into the break.
The goal forced Germany to respond, and Julian Nagelsmann's side emerged after the interval with far greater urgency.
Their equaliser arrived in the 54th minute when Kai Havertz glanced home a header to level the match at 1-1. It was Havertz's third goal of the tournament and appeared to swing the momentum firmly in Germany's favour as they pressed relentlessly for a winner.
Germany continued to dominate possession throughout the second half, pinning Paraguay deep inside their own half. Florian Wirtz, Leroy Sané and substitute Jamal Musiala all searched for openings, but Paraguay's defence refused to buckle. Goalkeeper Orlando Gill produced several important saves while centre-backs Gustavo Gómez and Junior Alonso repeatedly frustrated Germany's attack.
The most controversial moment of the night arrived during extra time.
Jonathan Tah thought he had won the match when he powered a header into the net from a corner. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper Orlando Gill by Waldemar Anton. The decision sparked furious protests from the German players and coaching staff, but the referee stood by the ruling, leaving the score level and sending the contest to penalties.
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What followed was a shootout full of drama.
Germany, who had never previously lost a World Cup penalty shootout, suddenly found themselves unraveling under pressure. Orlando Gill emerged as Paraguay's hero, saving penalties from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade, while Jonathan Tah blazed his effort over the crossbar.
Paraguay also stumbled during the shootout, with Antonio Sanabria missing and Manuel Neuer saving Fabián Balbuena's penalty, but José Canale stepped up to convert the decisive kick and seal a famous 4-3 shootout victory. The final whistle sparked emotional celebrations among the Paraguayan players, staff and supporters, who had witnessed arguably the greatest result in their nation's World Cup history.
For Paraguay, the victory is a landmark achievement. Ranked well below Germany before the tournament, they have now reached the Round of 16 after eliminating one of international football's traditional giants. Gustavo Alfaro's side demonstrated extraordinary organisation, resilience and composure under immense pressure, proving once again that knockout football is about far more than possession statistics.
Germany's exit, meanwhile, will trigger serious questions about the direction of the national team.
After failing to progress beyond the group stage in both 2018 and 2022, this expanded tournament finally offered Germany a route back into the knockout rounds. Yet once again, they leave the World Cup without reaching the last 16. Captain Joshua Kimmich admitted after the match that Germany "deserved to be eliminated," acknowledging that the team's performances throughout the tournament had not met the standards expected of one of football's biggest nations.
Kai Havertz also apologised to supporters following the defeat, describing the elimination as another painful chapter for German football and calling for honest reflection within the squad.
For Paraguay, however, this is a night that will live forever.
They arrived in the United States with few expecting them to challenge the tournament's elite. Instead, they have produced the shock of the competition, knocking out four-time world champions Germany through courage, discipline and nerves of steel in one of the most dramatic matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.