Paraguay pulled off one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history by eliminating four-time champions Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash.
Germany endured a sluggish first half and found themselves trailing just before the break when Julio Enciso struck in the 42nd minute to give Paraguay a deserved lead.
The Germans responded after halftime, with Kai Havertz restoring parity eight minutes into the second half to reignite their hopes of reaching the Round of 16.
Germany thought they had completed the comeback later in the match when they found the net from a corner, but a VAR review ruled the goal out for a foul on Paraguay’s goalkeeper.
Neither side could find a winner during the remainder of normal time or extra time, forcing the contest into a penalty shootout.
The shootout proved disastrous for Germany. Havertz missed the opening penalty, setting the tone for a frustrating finish as the Germans failed to convert three of their spot-kicks. Paraguay also squandered two penalties but held their nerve to seal a 4-3 victory and spark jubilant celebrations.
Ranked 41st in the world heading into the tournament, Paraguay overcame a Germany side ranked 10th by FIFA to produce what many will regard as one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history, particularly in the knockout rounds.
The result surpasses many of the competition’s previous giant-killings, including Bulgaria’s famous quarter-final victory over defending champions Germany at the 1994 World Cup, inspired by Hristo Stoichkov.
It also marked Germany’s first-ever defeat in a World Cup penalty shootout, ending another disappointing tournament for the European giants, who have now failed to progress beyond the Round of 32 despite entering the competition as one of the favourites.
