Germany’s 2026 World Cup journey came to a painful end after Paraguay pulled off a memorable victory on penalties, following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
The four time world champions were beaten 4-3 in the shootout, with Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerging as the hero. The 6ft 6in keeper saved penalties from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade, giving his side the advantage in a tense contest.
Paraguay also had their nervous moments. Antonio Sanabria missed the target when he had the chance to push his team closer to victory, while Fabian Balbuena saw his effort stopped by the experienced Manuel Neuer. But in sudden death, Germany defender Jonathan Tah sent his penalty over the bar, allowing Jose Canale to step up and calmly score the winning kick.
The result sparked huge celebrations for Paraguay, who now move into the last 16, where they will face either France or Sweden in Philadelphia on Saturday.
Earlier in the match, Paraguay shocked Germany by taking the lead just before half time. Julio Enciso, formerly of Brighton and Ipswich, rose well to head his side in front in the 42nd minute.
Germany responded strongly after the break and found their equaliser through Havertz, who guided a header into the net from Florian Wirtz’s delivery. From that point, Germany pushed hard for a winner, but Paraguay remained organised and disciplined at the back.
Tah thought he had completed the comeback during extra time when he headed home, but the goal was ruled out after Waldemar Anton was judged to have fouled Gill in the build up.
For Germany, this defeat adds to a difficult run at recent World Cups. Since winning the tournament in 2014, they have now suffered three disappointing campaigns in a row. They exited at the group stage in both 2018 and 2022, and this latest loss will be seen as another major setback.
It was also the first time Germany had ever lost a World Cup penalty shootout, having won their previous five. Their only other shootout defeat at a major tournament came in the 1976 European Championship final against Czechoslovakia.
