Paraguay stun Germany on penalties to reach World Cup last 16 in historic upset

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Paraguay produced one of the biggest FIFA World Cup shocks in modern history after eliminating four-time champions Germany in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw. The defeat marks Germany’s earliest knockout-stage exit since lifting the trophy in 2014 and sends Paraguay into the last 16 with renewed belief.

BOSTON, United States — Paraguay produced one of the biggest surprises of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after eliminating four-time champions Germany in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw, securing a place in the last 16 and ending Germany’s campaign earlier than many had predicted.

Jose Canale converted the decisive penalty after Germany missed three of their spot-kicks, sealing a 4-3 shootout victory following 120 minutes in which Paraguay frustrated one of international football’s traditional heavyweights.

Paraguay stun Germany on penalties to reach World Cup last 16 in historic upset Nukunya

The result represents one of the most significant World Cup upsets of the modern era. Germany entered the tournament ranked among the world’s leading teams and was widely expected to progress comfortably through the knockout stages. Paraguay, meanwhile, arrived having rebuilt under Argentine coach Gustavo Alfaro after several years away from football’s biggest stage.

Paraguay struck first shortly before half-time when Julio Enciso headed home from Matias Galarza’s cross to silence the German supporters. Germany responded early in the second half as Kai Havertz equalised with a glancing header from Florian Wirtz’s delivery, restoring parity and setting up a tense finish.

Germany believed they had completed the comeback when Jonathan Tah found the net from a corner, but the effort was ruled out following a VAR review for a foul on Paraguay’s goalkeeper. Neither side managed to find a winner during extra time despite periods of sustained German pressure.

The contest ultimately turned on penalties.

Havertz missed Germany’s opening spot-kick before further misses from Nick Woltemade and Tah left the Europeans chasing the shootout. Paraguay also failed to convert twice, but Canale held his nerve with the decisive kick to spark emotional celebrations among players and supporters.

The victory was celebrated as a defining moment in modern Paraguayan football.

Players sprinted towards Canale after the winning penalty before collapsing into jubilant embraces, while thousands of Paraguay supporters inside the stadium celebrated what many described as one of the country’s greatest sporting achievements.

Defender Gustavo Gomez said the team had demonstrated the resilience that has defined Paraguay’s recent revival.

“We dedicated this to all the people of Paraguay,” he said after the match.

Coach Gustavo Alfaro, who transformed the team’s fortunes after taking charge during qualification, praised his players’ commitment and determination.

“I want all of Paraguay to enjoy this,” he said. “We may have our defects, but we have a heart that never gives up.”

For Germany, the defeat is likely to trigger renewed scrutiny of a side that arrived with ambitions of challenging for a fifth World Cup title.

Although Germany dominated possession for long periods and created significantly more chances, they struggled to break down Paraguay’s disciplined defensive structure. The South Americans absorbed sustained pressure before capitalising on the decisive moments that often determine knockout football.

The elimination also marked Germany’s first defeat in a World Cup penalty shootout and means the 2014 champions have again fallen short of expectations on the global stage.

Paraguay’s achievement carries wider significance beyond a single result.

The South American nation had not appeared at a World Cup since 2010 and entered the tournament with modest expectations. Their disciplined performances during qualification under Alfaro restored confidence, but few predicted they would eliminate one of international football’s most decorated teams.

The victory also continues a trend at the expanded 2026 tournament, where several traditionally smaller football nations have demonstrated that tactical organisation, defensive discipline and composure under pressure can outweigh differences in ranking and pedigree.

Paraguay will now face either France or Sweden in the last 16 as they seek to extend what is already one of the stories of the tournament. Germany, meanwhile, return home facing difficult questions over another disappointing World Cup campaign and the direction of a team still searching for a return to its former dominance.