Germany crash out as Paraguay win dramatic penalty shootout to reach World Cup last 16

Germany‘s hopes of lifting a fifth World Cup title came to a heartbreaking end after Paraguay secured a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory following a 1-1 draw after extra time, booking their place in the last 16 of the 2026 tournament, Sport360NG reports. 

The four-time world champions endured a frustrating night from the penalty spot, with Arsenal forward Kai Havertz and Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade both denied by Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Jonathan Tah’s miss in sudden death ultimately proved decisive as Paraguay completed a memorable upset.

Canale seals famous Paraguay triumph

Although Paraguay squandered two opportunities to wrap up the shootout earlier, Antonio Sanabria fired wide before veteran Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer produced a crucial save to deny Fabian Balbuena.

The South Americans finally made their third opportunity count when defender Jose Canale calmly converted the decisive penalty after Tah had blasted Germany’s effort over the crossbar, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Paraguay players and supporters.

Enciso strikes before Germany respond

Paraguay had stunned their illustrious opponents by taking the lead just before half-time. Former Brighton and Ipswich attacker Julio Enciso rose highest to head home in the 42nd minute and put Germany under serious pressure.

Germany responded with far greater intensity after the interval and eventually found the breakthrough through Havertz, whose glancing header met a precise delivery from Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz to restore parity.

The Germans thought they had completed the comeback in extra time when Tah headed into the net, but their celebrations were cut short after Waldemar Anton was judged to have fouled Gill in the build-up, leaving the score level and forcing penalties.

Paraguay set up last-16 showdown

The penalty shootout remained tense throughout, with Germany never managing to establish an advantage after Havertz failed with the opening kick and Woltemade was later denied by the outstanding Gill.

Despite letting two chances to finish the contest slip away, Paraguay held their nerve when it mattered most, securing one of the tournament’s biggest shocks and eliminating the four-time champions.

Paraguay will now face either France or Sweden in the Round of 16 in Philadelphia on Saturday as they continue their remarkable World Cup campaign.