– Germany’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign came to a stunning end as Paraguay pulled off one of the greatest upsets in tournament history, defeating the four-time champions 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in their Round of 32 classParaguay produced a disciplined and fearless performance to earn a deserved lead just before half-time. Julio Enciso rose highest to head home in the 42nd minute after Germany struggled to find their rhythm during a lackluster opening half.Germany responded after the break, with Kai Havertz drawing his side level eight minutes into the second half. The Germans believed they had completed the comeback later in the match when they scored from a corner, only for the goal to be ruled out following a VAR review that determined Paraguay goalkeeper Carlos Coronel had been fouled.Neither side could find a breakthrough during extra time, sending the tie to a penalty shootout.

Germany’s hopes suffered an immediate blow when Havertz missed the opening spot-kick. The four-time world champions went on to miss three penalties in total, while Paraguay kept their composure to secure a famous 4-3 shootout victory despite missing two penalties themselves.The magnitude of the result is reflected in the gap between the two teams. Germany entered the tournament ranked 10th in the FIFA World Rankings, while Paraguay arrived as the world’s 41st-ranked side.The defeat marks another painful World Cup exit for Germany and their first-ever loss in a FIFA World Cup penalty shootout. For Paraguay, it is one of the greatest victories in the nation’s football history and a triumph that will be remembered as one of the biggest upsets the FIFA World Cup has ever witnessed.

Paraguay now advance to the Round of 16, while Germany’s hopes of adding a fifth World Cup title come to a shockingly early end.