Germany Eliminated Once Again! Paraguay Advances to the Round of 16 After Winning the Penalty Shootout

Paraguay national team pulled off a massive upset in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32, eliminating Germany after a dramatic penalty shootout. Playing at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, United States on Tuesday, 30 June 2026 WIB, Paraguay sealed a 4-3 penalty win after both sides remained tied 1-1 at the end of 120 minutes of play.

This victory sends Paraguay through to the 2026 World Cup Round of 16. They will now await the winner of the France vs Sweden fixture as their next opponent. Germany meanwhile are sent crashing out early once again, marking three consecutive World Cup tournaments where they have been eliminated in the opening knockout stages.

Paraguay broke the deadlock shortly before half time. Julio Enciso put his side ahead in the 42nd minute with a powerful header from a set piece situation.

The goal originated from a Miguel Almiron corner kick that was initially parried away by Manuel Neuer. The loose ball was collected by Damian Bobadilla, who played it through to Matias Galarza. The Paraguayan midfielder delivered an accurate cross that Enciso met perfectly to beat Neuer.

Paraguay held their 1-0 lead through to the end of the first half.

Germany immediately upped their attacking intensity coming into the second half. Their pressure paid off in the 54th minute, when Kai Havertz equalised with a headed finish from a Florian Wirtz cross.

After the scores were levelled, Der Panzer continued to dominate the flow of the match and created a number of dangerous chances. Havertz came close to putting Germany ahead in the 77th minute, only for a superb save from Orlando Gill to keep Paraguay level.

Germany even found the back of the net in extra time through Jonathan Tah in the 102nd minute. However the goal was ruled out by the referee after a VAR review confirmed Waldemar Anton had committed a foul against goalkeeper Orlando Gill in the build up to the shot.

The 1-1 scoreline remained unchanged after the full 120 minutes, forcing the match to be decided via a penalty shootout.

Drama unfolded immediately, as Germany's first penalty taker Kai Havertz failed to convert his kick. Paraguay capitalised on this early advantage by scoring their first three penalties to take control of the shootout.

Paraguay's chance to wrap up the win was delayed when Antonio Sanabria was unable to beat Manuel Neuer. The veteran German goalkeeper produced another critical save to deny Fabian Balbuena shortly after, handing his side a lifeline to turn the shootout around.

Germany failed to take this golden opportunity however, as subsequent taker Jonathan Tah also missed his penalty.

Jose Canale stepped up for Paraguay's decisive final kick. Keeping his composure, he placed his shot perfectly past Neuer to confirm Paraguay's 4-3 penalty shootout victory.

This result stands as one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 World Cup Round of 32. Paraguay have knocked out one of global football's most decorated giants and kept their tournament progress hopes alive, while Germany head home early for the third consecutive World Cup.