Paraguay knock out Germany on penalties at 2026 World Cup
Paraguay stunned four-time world champions Germany after winning a dramatic penalty shootout to book their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After 120 exhausting minutes finished 1-1, Orlando Gill produced two outstanding saves during the shootout before Jose Canale calmly converted the decisive sudden-death penalty to hand Paraguay a famous victory.
The result sends Paraguay into the last 16, where they will meet the winner of France versus Sweden in Philadelphia.
Germany's tournament ends in heartbreak
Germany entered the knockout stages as one of the tournament favourites but were unable to find a way past a disciplined Paraguayan side that refused to surrender.
Julio Enciso gave Paraguay a deserved first-half lead with a powerful header shortly before the interval, rewarding an energetic performance that unsettled Germany throughout the opening 45 minutes.
Germany responded after halftime through Kai Havertz, whose composed finish in the 52nd minute restored parity and shifted momentum toward the Europeans. Despite dominating possession for long periods afterward, Germany failed to convert several promising opportunities.
VAR denies Germany a late winner
Germany thought they had completed the comeback during extra time. Jonathan Tah headed home from a corner in the 102nd minute, sparking celebrations among German supporters.
However, following a lengthy VAR review, officials ruled the goal out after determining Waldemar Anton had illegally pushed goalkeeper Orlando Gill before the header crossed the line. The decision kept Paraguay alive and ultimately proved decisive.
Orlando Gill delivers the performance of his career
Paraguay owed much of their success to goalkeeper Orlando Gill. The shot-stopper produced several important saves throughout normal time and extra time before becoming the hero during the penalty shootout.
Gill denied two German spot kicks, giving Paraguay the advantage before Jose Canale stepped forward to convert the winning penalty in sudden death. His performance instantly becomes one of the defining goalkeeping displays of the tournament.
Germany's remarkable shootout record finally ends
Germany had built one of international football's strongest reputations in penalty shootouts. Before Monday, they had won six consecutive shootouts at major tournaments, losing only once in competitive international football penalties since the 1976 European Championship final.
Paraguay ended that remarkable run.
Paraguay rewrite their World Cup history
The victory represents one of the greatest moments in Paraguayan football history. Before this tournament, Paraguay had appeared in five previous World Cup knockout matches but had scored only once across those fixtures.
Their only previous knockout victory also came via penalties against Japan at the 2010 FIFA World Cup before eventually losing to eventual champions Spain in the quarter-finals. This latest success feels even more significant given the stature of their opponents.
Sweet revenge after 24 years
The result also carried historical significance. Germany defeated Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16 at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, ending Paraguay's hopes of progressing further.
Nearly a quarter-century later, Paraguay finally gained revenge by knocking Germany out on one of football's biggest stages.
Paraguay continue growing belief
With confidence growing after eliminating one of the tournament favourites, Paraguay now head into the Round of 16 believing they can challenge anyone remaining in the competition. If they overcome either France or Sweden, they will reach the World Cup quarter-finals for only the second time in their history.
For Germany, meanwhile, another disappointing World Cup campaign raises serious questions as the four-time champions continue searching for consistency on football's biggest stage.
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