Paraguay produced one of the biggest shocks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by eliminating four-time champions Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout after their Round of 32 clash ended 1-1 following extra time.
Goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as Paraguay’s hero, saving spot-kicks from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade before Jose Canale converted the decisive penalty to seal a 4-3 shootout victory.
Paraguay had taken a surprise lead in the 42nd minute through Julio Enciso, whose header gave the South Americans a deserved advantage after a disciplined first-half display.
Germany responded after the break and drew level when Havertz glanced home a cross from Florian Wirtz, setting up a tense finish.
The Germans thought they had completed the comeback in extra time when Jonathan Tah headed into the net, but the goal was ruled out after Waldemar Anton was adjudged to have fouled Gill.
The match was ultimately decided on penalties, where Germany faltered. Havertz and Woltemade both failed from the spot, while Paraguay missed two opportunities to secure victory before Canale calmly converted the winning penalty in sudden death.
The defeat marks Germany’s earliest exit from the tournament and extends their disappointing World Cup run. After winning the title in 2014, they failed to progress beyond the group stage in both 2018 and 2022 before suffering another major setback in 2026.
Paraguay, ranked 41st in the FIFA world rankings before the tournament, recovered impressively after opening their campaign with a heavy defeat to the United States. Under head coach Gustavo Alfaro, they tightened defensively and carried that resilience into the knockout stage.
Gill’s outstanding performance in the shootout ensured Paraguay reached the last 16, where they will face either France or Sweden for a place in the quarter-finals.
