Paraguay pulled off one of the biggest shocks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday, knocking Germany out of the tournament with a 4-3 penalty shootout victory at Boston Stadium. After battling through 120 minutes of intense football, the South Americans secured a historic place in the Round of 16 for the first time, while the four-time world champions crashed out earlier than expected.
The result also ended Germany’s perfect record in World Cup penalty shootouts, marking the first time they had ever been eliminated from the tournament in that fashion. Paraguay’s supporters celebrated wildly inside the stadium as their players made history, while Germany’s squad was left devastated by the unexpected exit.
Germany looked the stronger side for much of the opening half, controlling possession and pushing forward, but Paraguay struck first against the run of play in the 42nd minute.
After goalkeeper Manuel Neuer punched away a corner, Paraguay quickly regained possession. Matias Galarza then delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area, where Julio Enciso rose unchallenged to power a header into the net.
The goal was significant, becoming Paraguay’s first-ever strike in the knockout rounds of a FIFA World Cup after five previous appearances without scoring at that stage. It also handed the South Americans a narrow lead heading into halftime.
Germany fight back
Germany responded shortly after the restart. In the 54th minute, Florian Wirtz produced an accurate cross that Kai Havertz met with a well-placed header beyond goalkeeper Orlando Gill to level the score.
The equaliser sparked sustained German pressure as they searched for a winning goal. Despite dominating possession and creating opportunities, they struggled to break through Paraguay’s disciplined defence, forcing the match into extra time.
Germany continued to control large spells of the additional 30 minutes, but Paraguay remained organised and refused to give away another chance, taking the contest to penalties.
Penalty heartbreak for Germany
The match nearly swung Germany’s way late in the first half of extra time when Jonathan Tah headed into the net, only for the effort to be ruled out after the assistant referee signalled a foul on Paraguay’s goalkeeper.
With no winner after 120 minutes, the tie was settled from the penalty spot.
Paraguay gained the early advantage when Orlando Gill saved Germany’s opening penalty. Nick Woltemade then missed the target, putting further pressure on the Europeans. Although Neuer produced a save to keep Germany in contention, Tah blasted his penalty over the crossbar, confirming Paraguay’s 4-3 shootout victory.
The historic win sends Paraguay into the Round of 16, where they will face either France or Sweden.
