2026 World Cup: Underdog Paraguay Eliminate Germany On Penalties

By Saheed Afolabi

Paraguay delivered one of the biggest upsets in the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Germany 4-3 on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw after extra time in the Round of 32, played in Massachusetts.

Goalkeeper Orlando Gill made crucial saves in regulation and extra time before emerging as the shootout hero, sending Paraguay into the last 16 in what ranks as the nation’s most historic World Cup victory.

Germany, winners of Group E and appearing in their first knockout match since their 2014 triumph, faced Paraguay, who advanced as one of the best third-placed teams from Group D. Despite Germany’s dominance in possession, Paraguay’s disciplined 4-4-2 setup under Gustavo Alfaro frustrated their opponents and created dangerous counter-attacking opportunities.

Paraguay took a shock lead just before halftime. After surviving early German pressure, including a fine save by Manuel Neuer, Paraguay capitalized on a corner. Miguel Almiron and others combined effectively, allowing Julio Enciso to head home past Neuer for a 1-0 advantage. The goal marked Enciso’s strong tournament contribution, tying him with Paraguay’s best single-tournament tallies from past World Cups.

Germany equalized in the 54th minute when Florian Wirtz delivered a superb cross, and Kai Havertz glanced a clever header into the corner. Germany continued to press, with Havertz forcing another outstanding save from Gill, while Paraguay remained a threat on the break through players like Almiron and Caballero. The match remained locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes.

Extra time saw Germany dominate, but Gill stood firm. A header from Jonathan Tah was disallowed by VAR due to a foul on the goalkeeper. Multiple German attacks were repelled as Paraguay defended resolutely, forcing the contest to penalties.

In the shootout, Gill denied Havertz early. Paraguay took the lead through Mauricio, and the teams traded successful kicks until Gill produced a brilliant save on Woltemade. Sanabria missed for Paraguay, but Germany’s Tah blazed his effort over the bar, setting up José Canale for the decisive moment.

Canale calmly sent Neuer the wrong way and fired into the net, completing a 4-3 penalty victory for Paraguay. It was a remarkable moment as the underdogs eliminated the four-time world champions.