Paraguay stuns Germany in penalties to reach World Cup last 16

Paraguay made history by reaching the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup, stunning Germany in a penalty shootout. This marks the first time Paraguay has defeated a European team in the knockout stage.

On the other hand, Germany, a four-time World Cup champion, saw its unbeaten penalty shootout record officially end. From 1982 to 2006, Germany had consistently won in penalties, but in 2026, they were knocked out in the early knockout round by Paraguay.

In the match concluded on Tuesday morning, the game ended in a 1-1 draw after regular and extra time, leading to a penalty shootout. Paraguay won 4-3 in the shootout.

For Germany, Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala scored, but Kai Havertz, who took the first shot, and Niclas Füllkrug, who took the fourth, missed their penalties. After two consecutive mistakes by Paraguay, Germany’s Jonathan Tah also missed, leaving Germany stunned.

For Paraguay, Mauricio, Gustavo Gómez, and Matías Galarza scored, while Antonio Sanabria missed his penalty. In a crucial moment, Fabian Balbuena’s shot was saved by the goalkeeper. The game went to sudden death, where José Canales scored, securing Paraguay’s historic place in the last 16.

Earlier, in Boston, Germany and Paraguay played to a 1-1 draw in the regulation 90 minutes. In the first half, Paraguay unexpectedly took the lead. In the 42nd minute, midfielder Matías Galarza crossed to striker Julio Enciso, who headed the ball in to give Paraguay a 1-0 advantage.

Germany, trailing, equalized early in the second half. In the 54th minute, Kai Havertz headed in a cross from Florian Wirtz, leveling the score at 1-1.

Despite Germany controlling possession and launching continuous attacks, Paraguay’s disciplined defense and goalkeeper Orlando Gill’s excellent saves prevented any winning goal during regulation time. This match became the first in the ongoing World Cup to go into extra time.

The game then moved into extra time, but with no goals scored, the decision came down to a penalty shootout. Paraguay will now face the winner between France and Sweden in the last 16.