Paraguay knocked four-time champions Germany out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, winning a dramatic penalty shootout 4-3 after a 1-1 draw in the round of 32 on Monday.
Julio Enciso headed Paraguay into a surprise lead just before half-time, only for Kai Havertz to equalise early in the second half with a glancing header. The match went to extra time, where a Jonathan Tah goal was controversially disallowed, before penalties decided the tie.
Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill was the hero, saving spot-kicks from Havertz and Nick Woltemade, while Jonathan Tah blazed his effort over the bar. Jose Canale scored the decisive penalty to spark wild celebrations.
“It is Jose Canale’s day,” said former England striker Alan Shearer on BBC. “Paraguay deserve to go through.”
BBC Radio 5 Live’s Ian Dennis described the result as “a major, major upset,” noting it was Germany’s first World Cup penalty shootout defeat. Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin called it “one of the greatest results in Paraguayan footballing history,” with tears among fans at Boston Stadium.
Germany dominated much of the match but failed to convert their chances, exiting at the round of 32 for the third consecutive World Cup. Paraguay advance to face either France or Sweden in the last 16.
