Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, eliminating four-time champions Germany 4-3 on penalties after a gripping 1-1 draw over 120 minutes to book their place in the quarter-finals.
After a tense, tactical battle in Boston, it was Paraguay who struck first against the run of play in the 42nd minute.
Miguel Almirón recycled possession from a corner before slipping a clever reverse pass to Matías Galarza, whose inviting cross found Julio Enciso. The Brighton forward arrived unmarked and powered a superb header beyond Manuel Neuer to give the South Americans a shock lead with virtually their first meaningful attack of the contest.
Germany dominated possession throughout the first half but struggled to break down Paraguay’s disciplined defensive structure.
Julian Nagelsmann responded at the break by introducing Leon Goretzka, and Germany’s pressure finally paid off nine minutes into the second half.
Florian Wirtz whipped in an inch-perfect cross from the left and Kai Havertz produced a brilliant glancing header that nestled into the far corner beyond Orlando Gill to restore parity.
The equaliser shifted momentum firmly in Germany’s favour as they continued to press for a winner. Havertz forced another fine save from Gill, while Aleksandar Pavlovic and Joshua Kimmich both came close as Paraguay defended desperately.
Paraguay suffered another setback when goalscorer Enciso limped off injured midway through the second half, but Gustavo Alfaro’s side continued to frustrate the Germans.
Germany thought they had completed the comeback in extra time when Jonathan Tah powered home a header from a corner in the 102nd minute. However, after a lengthy VAR review, Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed ruled out the goal for a foul on goalkeeper Orlando Gill, ensuring the tie remained level.
With neither side able to find a breakthrough, the contest headed to penalties.
Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as the hero, saving Kai Havertz’s opening spot-kick before denying Nick Woltemade later in the shootout.
Germany stayed alive when Manuel Neuer saved from Fabian Balbuena, but Jonathan Tah then blazed his penalty over the crossbar, handing Paraguay a golden opportunity.
Defender José Canale held his nerve, confidently lifting the decisive penalty into the net to spark wild celebrations among the Paraguay players and supporters.
The victory sends Paraguay into the World Cup quarter-finals after knocking out one of the tournament favourites in dramatic fashion, while Germany’s campaign ends in heartbreak after their first men’s World Cup penalty shootout defeat since 2006.
