Paraguay produced one of the biggest shocks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by knocking out Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw following extra time, securing a historic place in the Round of 16.
Goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as the hero, saving penalties from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade before Jonathan Tah blasted Germany’s third attempt over the crossbar.
Defender Jose Canale then calmly converted the decisive spot-kick to seal a famous victory for the South Americans.
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The result marked Germany’s first-ever defeat in a World Cup penalty shootout and sent Paraguay into the last 16 for the first time in years.
Gill’s outstanding display continued a growing reputation as a penalty specialist, having produced similar heroics for his club, San Lorenzo, in domestic competitions.
After the match, the goalkeeper said the team had thoroughly studied Germany’s penalty takers and remained confident despite facing relentless pressure throughout the game.
Paraguay’s success was built on a disciplined defensive performance orchestrated by head coach Gustavo Alfaro.
His conservative approach had attracted criticism during the group stage after Paraguay scored only twice in three matches, but it proved decisive against one of football’s traditional powerhouses.
Captain Gustavo Gomez praised his teammates’ resilience, insisting they were determined to make life as difficult as possible for Germany and never lost belief despite spending long periods without the ball.
Germany dominated possession with around 75 percent and created significantly more attempts on goal, but Paraguay’s organized backline repeatedly frustrated Julian Nagelsmann’s side and limited clear-cut scoring opportunities.
Against the run of play, Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the lead in the 42nd minute, heading home a cross from Matias Galarza.
Germany responded early in the second half when Kai Havertz nodded in Florian Wirtz’s delivery to level the contest.
Germany thought they had found a winner during extra time after Jonathan Tah headed into the net from a corner, but a VAR review ruled out the goal for a foul on goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
With neither side able to find another breakthrough, the tie was decided from the penalty spot, where Paraguay held their nerve to complete a memorable upset.
The victory is a major triumph for Alfaro, whose tactical approach had been questioned before the knockout stage.
His side now prepares for a difficult Round of 16 clash, with France the likely opponents.
For Germany, the defeat represents another disappointing World Cup campaign and is likely to intensify scrutiny over the future of head coach Julian Nagelsmann, who questioned the decision to disallow Tah’s extra-time goal but expressed his desire to remain in charge.
