Guwahati: Paraguay pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup 2026, defeating four-time champions Germany 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in the Round of 32 to book their place in the last 16.
Germany’s World Cup campaign came to a dramatic end after a controversial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision disallowed what would have been the winning goal in extra time, shifting the momentum in Paraguay’s favour before the South Americans prevailed in the shootout.
Paraguay struck first midway through the opening half when Julio Enciso headed home from close range, capitalising on one of the team’s few attacking opportunities despite Germany controlling possession for much of the contest.
Germany responded after the break through Kai Havertz, who found the equaliser to restore parity and force the match into extra time.
The defining moment came in the 101st minute when Jonathan Tah headed into the net from a corner, sparking celebrations among the German players. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the referee ruled out the goal for a foul by Waldemar Anton on Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill during the build-up.
The decision proved decisive as neither side could find another goal, taking the match to penalties.
Paraguay converted four of their five spot-kicks, while Germany endured a disappointing shootout. Kai Havertz, Jonathan Tah and Nick Woltemade all failed to convert their penalties, allowing José Canale to score the decisive kick and seal a memorable victory for Paraguay.
The result marks Germany’s first World Cup elimination via a penalty shootout and extends the team’s recent struggles at football’s biggest tournament.
For Paraguay, the victory ranks among the most significant in the nation’s football history, as the South American side advanced to the Round of 16, where it will face the winner of the match between France and Sweden.
Germany, one of the pre-tournament favourites, dominated large spells of the encounter but failed to convert their superiority into goals, while Paraguay produced a disciplined defensive display and showed composure under pressure to complete a famous upset.