Paraguay produced one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in their Round of 32 encounter.
The dramatic contest ended Germany’s campaign and marked a historic moment, as it was the first time the four-time world champions had ever lost a penalty shootout in FIFA World Cup history.
Paraguay took the lead in the 42nd minute through Julio Enciso, who finished calmly after receiving a fine pass from Matias Galarza to put the South Americans ahead before halftime.
Germany returned from the break with renewed determination and found the equaliser in the 54th minute.
Kai Havertz converted from close range after being set up by Florian Wirtz, bringing the Europeans back into the contest.
Both teams continued to push for a winner, but neither side could find the decisive goal in regulation time, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
The shootout proved tense and dramatic. Havertz had an opportunity to give Germany an advantage but missed his penalty, while Mauricio converted Paraguay’s opening kick.
Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala successfully scored for Germany, while Gabriel Gomez and Galarza Matías kept Paraguay level.
Germany’s Nick Woltemade also failed from the spot, while Antonio Sanabria missed for Paraguay, keeping the contest finely balanced.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nadiem Amiri converted Germany’s fifth penalty, but Fabian Balbuena missed for Paraguay, offering Germany hope.
However, Jonathan Tah also failed to score for the Germans, allowing Juan Canale to step up and seal a famous victory for Paraguay.
Paraguay eventually triumphed 4-3 in the shootout, sending their supporters into celebration and booking a place in the Round of 16.
For Germany, the defeat will be particularly painful as they surrendered a strong comeback and suffered their first-ever World Cup penalty shootout loss, ending their hopes of another title challenge.
Paraguay, meanwhile, showed resilience, discipline and composure under pressure, qualities that could make them a difficult opponent in the next stage of the tournament. (NAN)
