Paraguay produced the biggest upset of the FIFA World Cup 2026 so far, eliminating Germany 4-3 on penalties after the Round of 32 tie finished 1-1 through extra time on Monday. Jose Canale converted the first sudden-death kick to settle the shootout, while goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two key saves as Paraguay booked a place in the round of 16 for the first time since 2010.
Germany had forced the game beyond 90 minutes through Kai Havertz’s second-half equaliser after Julio Enciso’s first-half header had put Paraguay ahead. But after neither side could find a winner in extra time, Paraguay held their nerve from the spot to send Germany out.
How the match unfolded: Enciso strikes, Havertz responds
Germany began with Manuel Neuer in goal and a back line featuring Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rudiger, Jonathan Tah and Brown, with Nmecha and Pavlovic in midfield. Paraguay started with Junior Alonso, Jose Canale and Gustavo Gomez among their defensive unit, with Enciso included in attack.
The opening stages saw Germany push forward, and the live updates noted long spells of possession, including a point in the first half where Germany had played “200 more passes than Paraguay.” Despite that control, Paraguay stayed compact and absorbed pressure, with Germany struggling to find the final ball into their forwards.
Paraguay also had an early concern when Gustavo Gomez went off the field in visible discomfort, though the updates suggested it did not look serious and he would be able to return.
The breakthrough arrived late in the first half. Enciso scored with a header to give Paraguay a 1-0 lead, a goal described as a huge moment that left Germany “rattled.” The match reached half-time with Paraguay still in front, setting up the possibility of a major surprise.
Germany made changes after the break, with Leon Goretzka replacing Nmecha as the second half began. The equaliser came in the 52nd minute: Florian Wirtz delivered a cross into the box and Havertz guided it into the net to make it 1-1 and swing momentum back toward Germany.
As the second half wore on, Germany continued to look for a winner. Havertz had a free header saved, and Leroy Sane had an effort from outside the box collected by the Paraguay goalkeeper after a deflection. Paraguay, meanwhile, were content to stay organised and take the game deeper, with the updates noting that penalties would suit them.
With the match level at the end of normal time, it went to extra time—reported as the first extra-time game of this year’s World Cup. Germany introduced Amiri and Thiaw as the contest moved toward a shootout, and there was late drama when Tah headed in from a corner only for the goal to be disallowed for a foul on the goalkeeper in the build-up.
After 120 minutes, the score remained 1-1 and the tie was decided on penalties.
Penalty shootout: Gill saves twice as Canale wins it in sudden death
Paraguay took early control in the shootout. Kai Havertz missed for Germany when Orlando Gill saved his effort, handing Paraguay an immediate advantage. Paraguay then converted through Mauricio, before Kimmich scored for Germany to keep them in touch.
The shootout continued with Paraguay staying in front: the updates recorded goals for Paraguay from Gomez and Galarza, while Germany answered through Musiala. But Germany’s problems from the spot returned when Gill made another save to deny a German kick, keeping Paraguay in control.
There was still late tension. Paraguay missed a penalty through Sanabria, giving Germany a lifeline, and Amiri scored to level it at 3-3. Paraguay then missed again when Balbuena was denied by Neuer, sending the shootout into sudden death.
In the decisive moments, Jonathan Tah missed for Germany, swinging the advantage back to Paraguay. Canale then stepped up and scored the first sudden-death penalty to clinch a 4-3 shootout win and complete a historic upset.
The result ends Germany’s tournament in the Round of 32, while Paraguay move on to the round of 16—an achievement they have not reached since 2010.