Paraguay Complete Historic Upset Against Germany in FIFA World Cup 2026

Paraguay reached the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup for only the second time in their history after beating Germany on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Boston.

Despite Germany's rich football history, this was their first World Cup knockout match since winning the final in 2014. Even though they lost 2-1 to Ecuador in their last Group E game, they still finished top of the group.

Paraguay came into the match full of confidence after recovering from an opening defeat to co-hosts USA. They worked hard throughout the first half and made life difficult for their more experienced opponents.

Germany controlled possession for most of the opening half but struggled to create clear chances. Their only shot on target was a weak effort from Joshua Kimmich from a tight angle.

Paraguay did not attack often, but they made the most of one of their few chances. Miguel Almiron, back after serving a suspension, combined well with Matias Galarza before Galarza delivered a cross for Julio Enciso, who headed the ball into the bottom corner to give La Albirroja a surprise lead before half-time.

Germany supporters were hoping for a strong start to the second half, but their team struggled to raise the tempo. Their passing lacked sharpness, and Manuel Neuer had to make an important save after Joshua Kimmich's poor back-pass allowed Julio Enciso a chance.

Germany then found an equalizer out of nowhere. Half-time substitute Leon Goretzka sent in a cross that Kai Havertz flicked into the corner for his third goal of the tournament.

Looking for a winner, Julian Nagelsmann brought on the striker Nick Woltemade late in normal time. Germany then started sending more crosses into the box to use his height.

Germany thought they had gone ahead when Jonathan Tah headed Nathaniel Brown's cross into the net. But after a VAR review, referee Jalal Jayed ruled the goal out for a foul by Waldemar Anton on Gill.

In the closing minutes, Anton's header was saved by Gill, while Nadiem Amiri's free-kick hit the side netting. With no winner after 120 minutes, the match went to a penalty shootout.

Germany were close to being knocked out after Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade both missed their penalties. But Antonio Sanabria also failed to score for Paraguay, and Manuel Neuer then saved Fabián Balbuena's spot-kick to give Germany another chance.

However, the luck didn’t favor Tah, as he fired his spot-kick over the bar. Jose Canale then calmly scored the next penalty to seal a famous win for Paraguay. They will now face either France or Sweden, while Germany head home after another disappointing World Cup exit.