Underdog Paraguay stuns Germany on penalties to reach last 16

Paraguay knocked out Germany at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, prevailing in a penalty shootout after a grueling battle.

Paraguay defeated Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in their round-of-32 match at Boston Stadium in the United States on Tuesday.

Germany were the stronger side on paper, but it was Paraguay who struck first. Julio Enciso headed home around the 41st minute to give his side the lead.

Germany threw everything forward in the second half in search of an equalizer. Their pressure paid off around the 54th minute, when Kai Havertz met a cross from the left flank with a header to level the score.

Both sides pushed for a winner but could not find one. Around the 77th minute, Havertz threatened again with another header, only to be denied by a fine save from Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gil.

The match remained level at 1-1 after 90 minutes, sending it to extra time — the first of this World Cup. Germany dominated and launched repeated attempts to find a go-ahead goal, but Paraguay's defense held firm.

In the 12th minute of the first period of extra time, Germany's Jonathan Tah headed in from a corner, but the goal was disallowed for a foul on the goalkeeper. Neither side could create a clear chance after that, and the match went to a shootout.

The shootout was equally tense. Gil saved efforts from Germany's first and third kickers, Havertz and Nick Woltemade, and momentum appeared to swing Paraguay's way. Paraguay's fourth kicker then missed, and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer stopped the fifth, leveling the shootout again.

The sixth round proved decisive. Germany's sixth kicker, Tah, blazed his shot over the bar, while Paraguay converted to advance to the round of 16. Paraguay will face the winner of the France-Sweden match in the next round.