Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by eliminating four-time champions Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time in their Round of 32 clash in Boston.
José Canale converted the decisive spot-kick in sudden death after Jonathan Tah blasted Germany’s final penalty over the crossbar, ending Germany’s perfect World Cup shootout record and sending the South Americans into the last 16.
Germany had dominated possession for long periods but struggled to break down Paraguay’s disciplined defensive setup, with goalkeeper Orlando Gill and centre-backs Gustavo Gómez and Canale producing outstanding performances.
Paraguay struck against the run of play three minutes before half-time. Matías Galarza was released down the right flank before delivering a teasing cross into the six-yard box where Julio Enciso escaped his marker to head beyond veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
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Despite enjoying nearly 80 per cent possession in the opening half, Germany created few clear-cut opportunities as Paraguay frustrated Julian Nagelsmann’s side with a compact defensive display.
The Germans emerged with greater urgency after the restart and were rewarded when Kai Havertz glanced Florian Wirtz’s inviting cross into the far corner to level the contest.
Enciso almost restored Paraguay’s lead moments earlier but was denied by an excellent save from Neuer before Havertz’s equaliser shifted the momentum in Germany’s favour.
Germany thought they had completed the turnaround in extra time when Tah powered home a header from a corner, only for VAR to rule out the goal after Waldemar Anton was adjudged to have fouled Gill in the build-up.
Neither side could find a winner over 120 minutes, sending the tie to penalties.
Germany’s hopes suffered an immediate setback when Havertz saw his opening penalty saved by Gill before Nick Woltemade was also denied later in the shootout.
Paraguay twice missed opportunities to seal victory as Antonio Sanabria fired wide and Fabián Balbuena’s effort was saved by Neuer, but Tah then blazed Germany’s fifth penalty over the crossbar to hand Canale the chance to win it.
The defender calmly converted the decisive kick to spark jubilant celebrations among the Paraguay players and supporters.
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Germany forward Kai Havertz admitted his side fell short when it mattered most and accepted they did not deserve to progress.
“I don’t have much to say. This is now my second World Cup and we’ve missed moving onto the next round twice now in a row. I want to apologise for that. We are all very disappointed,” Havertz said.
“We had many plans for this year’s World Cup. It is not a very good feeling to disappoint again.”
The Arsenal forward praised Paraguay’s defensive organisation and acknowledged Germany lacked the cutting edge to win the game.
“They were a very strong opponent. It was difficult to create chances because they defended very deep. We tried to attack down the flanks but unfortunately it didn’t really work.”
Havertz, who missed Germany’s first penalty in the shootout, admitted the players must take responsibility.
“I don’t think we deserved to win this time. We play for such a big football nation. If you get eliminated early, you don’t deserve to stay.”
Paraguay captain Gustavo Gómez described the victory as one of the proudest moments of his career.
“What we are feeling right now is really hard to explain. I am really proud of my teammates and the team,” Gómez said.
“Considering everything that was said and everything we went through, what I want to highlight is how united we are. We are incredibly strong.”
The defender said Paraguay showed the resilience that has defined their campaign.
“Today was a game where we needed to show our true colours as the Paraguayan team. Germany knew it would be really hard for them because they knew we would fight until the end.”
“We dedicate this victory to all the people of Paraguay.”
Paraguay will face the winner of France and Sweden in the Round of 16 as they continue their remarkable World Cup campaign.
