Germany 1-1 Paraguay (3-4 Pens): Paraguay Produce World Cup Shock To Eliminate Four-Time Winners

Paraguay pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating four-time champions Germany 4-3 on penalties following a gripping 1-1 draw to book their place in the Round of 16.

Goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as Paraguay's hero, producing two crucial saves in the shoot-out before Jonathan Tah blasted Germany's decisive penalty over the crossbar, allowing Jose Canale to convert the winning spot-kick and seal a famous victory.

Paraguay will now face either France or Sweden in the Round of 16.

The defeat marked Germany's first-ever loss in a World Cup penalty shoot-out and extended their disappointing record in the competition, with the former champions still searching for their first knockout-stage victory since lifting the World Cup trophy in 2014.

Germany dominated possession throughout the opening half but struggled to turn control into clear-cut chances. Julian Nagelsmann's side enjoyed 78 per cent of the ball before the break but failed to register a single shot on target against a disciplined Paraguayan defence.

Paraguay, meanwhile, made their opportunities count.

Julio Enciso broke the deadlock in the first half, rising to head home and stun the German supporters as Paraguay carried a deserved advantage into half-time.

Germany responded after the restart with far greater urgency and found an equaliser through Kai Havertz, whose glancing finish restored parity and reignited his side's hopes of avoiding another disappointing World Cup exit.

Both teams pushed for a winner during a fiercely contested second half and extra time.

Germany thought they had completed the comeback late in extra time when Jonathan Tah powered home a header from a corner, only for the goal to be ruled out following a VAR review. Officials judged Waldemar Anton to have committed a foul on goalkeeper Orlando Gill in the build-up, a decision that sparked frustration among the German players.

With neither side able to find another breakthrough, the contest was decided from the penalty spot.

The shoot-out immediately swung in Paraguay's favour when Gill brilliantly saved Havertz's opening penalty.

Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala and Nadiem Amiri all converted for Germany, but Gill denied Nick Woltemade to hand Paraguay the initiative.

Paraguay twice had the opportunity to seal victory before sudden death. Antonio Sanabria fired wide with the target at his mercy, while Germany captain Manuel Neuer kept his side alive with an outstanding save to deny Fabian Balbuena.

The dramatic finale continued into sudden death, but Germany's hopes finally disappeared when Tah blazed his penalty over the bar.

Jose Canale then stepped forward and confidently smashed his effort into the top corner, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Paraguay players and supporters.

Speaking after the heartbreaking defeat, Germany forward Kai Havertz accepted responsibility and apologised to the fans.

"I'm a little lost for words. This is my second World Cup and both times it came to nothing. All I can do is apologise.

"We have to take a hard look at ourselves, especially the players, and I'm leaving the coach out of that."

Paraguay captain Gustavo Gomez praised his team's unity after eliminating one of world football's traditional heavyweights.

"The feeling is hard to explain. I'm very proud of my team-mates, of the group.

"I'm most impressed by our unity. We have incredible strength to face any situation. Germany knew they needed to work incredibly hard to beat us."

For Germany, another painful World Cup campaign ended in disappointment despite dominating possession for long periods and coming within moments of snatching victory in extra time.

For Paraguay, however, the memorable triumph will go down as one of the tournament's defining moments, with Orlando Gill's penalty shoot-out heroics and Jose Canale's composed finish sending the South Americans into the last 16 and keeping their World Cup dream alive.