Paraguay Shock Germany in World Cup Shootout

Paraguay produced one of the biggest surprises in FIFA World Cup 2026 history by defeating four-time champions Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes in their Round of 32 clash on Monday. The stunning Paraguay World Cup upset sends the South Americans into the Round of 16, where they will face either France or Sweden.

The victory marks Paraguay’s greatest achievement at a World Cup since reaching the quarter-finals in 2010. Despite spending long periods without possession, the underdogs executed their game plan with discipline and determination against a dominant German side.

Germany controlled the match from the opening whistle, with coach Julian Nagelsmann naming an attacking line-up that included tournament top scorer Deniz Undav. The Europeans completed hundreds of passes and pinned Paraguay deep inside their own half but failed to register a shot on target before the break.

Paraguay made their opportunity count when Julio Enciso powered in a header after a swift attack, scoring his country’s first-ever goal in the knockout stage of a World Cup and giving the underdogs a first-half lead.

Germany responded shortly after the restart as Kai Havertz headed home a cross from Florian Wirtz to level the score. The Germans thought they had won the match in extra time through Jonathan Tah, but the goal was ruled out following a lengthy VAR review for a foul on the goalkeeper.

The Paraguay World Cup upset was confirmed in the penalty shootout. Germany missed three spot-kicks through Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Tah, while Jose Canale calmly converted the decisive penalty after two Paraguayan misses to seal a famous victory.

The Paraguay World Cup upset keeps the South Americans dreaming of another historic run as they prepare for a last-16 showdown against either France or Sweden.