Paraguay stun four-time champions Germany in World Cup upset

BOSTON: Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup 2026 by eliminating four-time world champions Germany 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 following regular and extra time.

Germany’s Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade missed their penalties, both brilliantly saved by Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

Paraguay also had early setbacks in the shootout with Antonio Sanabria missing the target and Fabián Balbuena’s effort saved by 40-year-old German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

In sudden death, Germany’s Jonathan Tah sent his penalty over the crossbar allowing José Canale to score the decisive spot-kick and seal a memorable 4-3 victory for Paraguay.

Earlier in the match, former Brighton and Ipswich Town forward Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the lead with a header in the 42nd minute.

Germany responded in the second half when Kai Havertz headed home from an excellent cross by Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz to level the score.

During extra time, Germany thought they had scored the winner through Jonathan Tah, but after a VAR review, the goal was ruled out for a foul by Waldemar Anton on the goalkeeper.

Paraguay will now face either two-time world champions France or 1958 runners-up Sweden in the quarter-finals. Following the historic victory, Paraguay’s players and fans celebrated wildly while Germany’s World Cup campaign came to an unexpected end.