World Cup 2026 Paraguay Knock Germany Out on Penalties

PARAGUAY · WORLD CUP

Sixteen years after their last knockout appearance, Paraguay held their nerve from the spot to dump out Germany and reach the round of 16.

World Cup 2026 Paraguay stun Germany

Paraguay beat Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Foxborough to reach the round of 16. The South Americans held their nerve against one of the tournament favourites.

The match swung on fine margins through 120 minutes before the shootout decided it. Paraguay secured their first World Cup knockout win since 2010.

Germany had been among the pre-tournament contenders. They became the first German side to lose a World Cup shootout.

Enciso strikes, Havertz replies

Julio Enciso gave Paraguay a deserved lead before half-time. The forward’s goal rewarded a brave and organised display.

Enciso has been one of Paraguay’s brightest talents at the tournament. His strike gave them a foothold against the favourites.

Kai Havertz levelled for Germany after the break to force the tie level. From there, neither side could find a winner in normal time.

The equaliser briefly swung momentum Germany’s way. Paraguay, though, dug in and weathered the pressure.

Germany thought they had won it in extra time through a Jonathan Tah header. The goal was ruled out by VAR for an earlier foul in the build-up.

The decision proved pivotal, keeping Paraguay alive. Germany were left to rue the moment as the tie wore on.

Nerve from the spot

With the game level after 120 minutes, the tie went to penalties. Paraguay held their composure under enormous pressure.

Shootouts are often a lottery, but Paraguay looked the calmer side. Each taker found the net until Germany faltered.

Jose Canale converted the decisive spot-kick to seal a 4-3 shootout win. The Paraguay bench and fans erupted in celebration.

Their goalkeeper and takers had held firm through the tension. It was a triumph of nerve and togetherness.

The numbers behind the upset

According to FIFA’s official match centre, the tie was settled on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Paraguay won the shootout 4-3 to advance.

By The Rio Times’ reading, this is a landmark night for Paraguayan football. They had not won a World Cup knockout tie since reaching the quarter-finals in 2010.

For Germany, the defeat is historic for the wrong reasons. They had never previously lost a World Cup penalty shootout.

A proud shootout record, built over decades, finally fell. It compounds a difficult tournament for the four-time champions.

What comes next

Paraguay march on to the round of 16, exceeding all pre-tournament expectations. Their resilience has carried them this far.

Their opponent in the last 16 will be set by the bracket. Whoever it is, Paraguay will fear no one now.

They will travel into the next round with belief soaring. Few will relish facing a side that just eliminated Germany.

Paraguay have built their run on organisation and spirit. Those qualities travel well into knockout football.

Why it matters

Paraguay returned to the World Cup after a 16-year absence and have now reached the last 16. It is a remarkable story of revival.

From scraping through the group as a third-placed side, they have grown into the tournament. Belief now courses through the squad.

For South American football, it is another statement on the global stage. The region is strongly represented deep in the tournament.

Alongside Brazil, Argentina and Colombia, Paraguay fly the flag. CONMEBOL nations have made a major mark on this World Cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score in World Cup 2026 Paraguay vs Germany?

The tie finished 1-1 after extra time. Paraguay won the penalty shootout 4-3.

Who scored in the match?

Julio Enciso scored for Paraguay and Kai Havertz equalised for Germany. Jose Canale netted the winning penalty.

Why was Germany’s extra-time goal disallowed?

Jonathan Tah’s header was ruled out by VAR for a foul earlier in the move. The score stayed 1-1.

Is this historic for Paraguay?

Yes. It is their first World Cup knockout win since 2010 and follows a 16-year absence from the finals.

What happens to Germany?

Germany are eliminated, suffering their first ever World Cup penalty shootout defeat.