Four-time champions Germany have been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing 4-3 on penalties to Paraguay following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as the hero, saving spot-kicks from Arsenal forward Kai Havertz and Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade before defender Jose Canale converted the decisive penalty in sudden death.
Paraguay had earlier missed two opportunities to secure victory in the shootout, with Antonio Sanabria firing wide and Fabian Balbuena seeing his effort saved by veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Germany’s hopes ended when Jonathan Tah blasted his penalty over the bar, allowing Canale to seal qualification for the South Americans.
Paraguay strike first, Germany respond
Paraguay took the lead in the 42nd minute through Julio Enciso, the former Brighton & Hove Albion and Ipswich Town forward, who headed home to stun the four-time world champions.
Germany improved after the break following tactical changes by head coach Julian Nagelsmann. Their equaliser came in the 56th minute when Kai Havertz glanced home a cross from Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz.
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The Germans thought they had won the match in extra time when Tah headed into the net, but the effort was ruled out after Waldemar Anton was judged to have fouled Gill.
Penalty heartbreak for Germany
Germany never held the advantage in the shootout after Havertz failed with the opening penalty. Woltemade was also denied as Gill produced another crucial save.
Although Paraguay failed to capitalise on two separate chances to win the contest, Canale held his nerve when the opportunity came again, sending his side into the last 16.
Paraguay will face either France or Sweden in Philadelphia on Saturday.
Germany’s World Cup struggles continue
Germany’s exit extends a difficult run at the World Cup. Since winning the tournament in 2014, they have failed to progress beyond the group stage in 2018 and 2022 before suffering another early elimination in 2026.
The defeat also marked Germany’s first-ever World Cup penalty shootout loss, having won all five of their previous shootouts in the competition.
Their only previous penalty shootout defeat at a major international tournament came in the 1976 European Championship final against Czechoslovakia, where Antonín Panenka famously scored the winning chipped penalty that later became known as the “Panenka.”
Paraguay’s disciplined display
Paraguay, ranked 41st in the world before the tournament, recovered well after losing 4-1 to the United States in their opening group match.
Under head coach, Gustavo Alfaro, Paraguay built their success on defensive organisation.
Central defenders Jose Canale and Gustavo Gómez helped frustrate Germany throughout the contest before Gill’s saves ensured victory in the shootout.
