Paraguay pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by eliminating four-time champions Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout after the teams were locked at 1-1 following extra time.
Goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as Paraguay’s hero, saving penalties from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade to give his side a memorable 4-3 victory in the shootout. Germany’s hopes were finally dashed in sudden death when Jonathan Tah blasted his effort over the crossbar before defender Jose Canale calmly converted the decisive penalty, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Paraguay players.
The South American side had taken a shock lead just before half-time through Julio Enciso, who headed home in the 42nd minute. Germany responded with a much-improved display after the break and eventually found an equaliser when Havertz glanced a header into the net from a cross delivered by Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz.
Paraguay defended resolutely for the remainder of normal time and throughout extra time, frustrating Germany’s repeated attempts to find a winner. The Germans briefly believed they had completed the comeback when Tah headed into the net, but the goal was ruled out after Waldemar Anton was judged to have fouled Gill in the build-up.
The penalty shootout remained tense throughout. Germany never managed to take control after Havertz missed the opening kick, while Woltemade was also denied by Gill. Paraguay had opportunities to secure victory earlier in the shootout but failed to capitalise as Antonio Sanabria fired wide and Fabian Balbuena’s effort was saved by 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Their third opportunity proved decisive as Canale held his nerve to send Paraguay into the last 16.
Paraguay, who were ranked 41st in the FIFA world rankings at the start of the tournament, had recovered impressively after opening their campaign with a 4-1 defeat to the United States. Under head coach Gustavo Alfaro, they became increasingly difficult to break down, finishing third in Group D before producing their biggest result of the competition.
For Germany, the defeat marks another painful chapter following previous World Cup disappointments in 2018 and 2022. It is also the first time they have lost a World Cup penalty shootout, having previously won all four of their earlier attempts. Paraguay will now face either France or Sweden in the last 16 in Philadelphia on Saturday.
