Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 World Cup, eliminating Germany in the round of 32 with a 4-3 penalty shootout victory after the match ended 1-1 following 90 minutes and extra time, at Gillette Stadium in Boston, securing their place in the round of 16.
Paraguay delivered an epic performance in a contest marked by intensity and competitive balance until the final moments, with the Latin American side holding firm against Germany over 120 minutes.
Julio Enciso put Paraguay ahead in the 42nd minute, before Kai Havertz equalised for Germany in the 54th minute, and Paraguay then settled the tie in the penalty shootout, eliminating one of the tournament's leading title contenders.
Germany began the match by imposing themselves in midfield and dominating possession, but lacked attacking effectiveness against a tightly organised Paraguayan defence that relied on discipline and counterattacks, with clear German chances largely absent throughout most of the first half.
Germany threatened in the 4th minute when Deniz Undav struck a ball that passed just wide of the post, before Leroy Sané found the net in the 28th minute after rounding goalkeeper Orlando Gil, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside.
Against the run of play, Paraguay took the lead in the 42nd minute when Julio Enciso rose to meet a precise cross from Matías Galarza, heading the ball into Manuel Neuer's net to capitalise on one of his side's rare opportunities in the first half.
Germany improved somewhat in the second half and managed to equalise in the 54th minute, when Kai Havertz converted a Florian Wirtz cross from the right with a header that found the back of the Paraguay net, translating their possession advantage into a goal.
Germany continued to press in search of a winner, and defender José Cañal nearly put the ball into his own net in the 73rd minute, before goalkeeper Orlando Gil shone to save a dangerous Havertz header four minutes later.
Paraguay's players maintained their defensive organisation under sustained German pressure as the regulation 90 minutes ended 1-1, sending the match into extra time to decide the berth in the next round.
German dominance continued into extra time with an emphasis on crosses, and Jonathan Tah headed home in the 102nd minute, but the referee disallowed the goal following a VAR review on the grounds of a foul against the goalkeeper.
Orlando Gil continued his fine form in extra time, collecting another Havertz header before preserving Paraguay's hopes with a crucial save to deny Waldemar Anton in the 119th minute.
The penalty shootout produced high drama, with Kai Havertz, Volltmade, and Jonathan Tah all missing for Germany, while Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, and Nadim Amiri scored.
For Paraguay, Mauricio, Gustavo Gómez, Matías Galarza, and José Cañal all converted, while Antonio Sanabria and Fabián Balbuena missed, as Paraguay sealed the victory and advanced to face the winner of France versus Sweden in the round of 16.