PHILADELPHIA — Paraguay pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Germany 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout on Monday, knocking out one of football’s traditional powerhouses and securing a place in the Round of 16.
The match ended 1-1 after extra time before defender José Canale emerged as Paraguay’s unlikely hero, converting the decisive sudden-death penalty after Germany’s Jonathan Tah blasted his effort over the crossbar.
Goalkeeper Orlando Gill also played a crucial role, making two key saves during the shootout to help Paraguay become the first nation to defeat Germany in a World Cup penalty shootout.
The historic victory sparked emotional celebrations across Paraguay’s capital, Asunción, where thousands of fans filled the streets singing, hugging and celebrating a result few had expected. Many supporters were seen in tears as the team’s anthem, “Soy Albirrojo,” echoed through the jubilant crowds.
Paraguay, ranked 41st in the FIFA rankings, entered the match as one of the tournament’s biggest underdogs against 10th-ranked Germany. However, the South Americans produced a disciplined defensive display and capitalized on their chances when it mattered most.
Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the lead in the 42nd minute after meeting Matias Galarza’s cross with a well-placed header beyond German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. The move began with an excellent through ball from Miguel Almirón that split Germany’s defense.
Germany responded shortly after halftime when Kai Havertz headed home a cross from Florian Wirtz in the 52nd minute to level the score.
Despite dominating possession for long periods and creating several opportunities, Germany struggled to break down Paraguay’s compact defensive setup throughout the match.
The Germans believed they had found the winner during extra time when Jonathan Tah headed into the net from a Nathaniel Brown corner in the 102nd minute. However, after a VAR review, officials ruled out the goal after determining that Waldemar Anton had fouled goalkeeper Orlando Gill before the header.
The match eventually went to penalties, where both teams exchanged successful spot-kicks before the drama intensified.
Neuer briefly kept Germany alive by saving Fabian Balbuena’s penalty, but Tah’s miss in sudden death handed Canale the opportunity to seal Paraguay’s famous victory.
“We had to analyze every player, every detail. Thanks to that I was able to only miss two penalties,” goalkeeper Orlando Gill said after the match. “This is for all the people of Paraguay.”
The victory also served as sweet revenge for Paraguay, which lost 1-0 to Germany in the Round of 16 at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Germany’s exit continues a difficult run in recent World Cups. After failing to progress beyond the group stage in both 2018 and 2022, the four-time world champions have now suffered another disappointing early elimination despite entering the tournament with high expectations.
“It’s not enough for German football,” head coach Julian Nagelsmann admitted after the defeat.
Kai Havertz also expressed his disappointment, saying the team had hoped for much more from the tournament.
“We had very big plans for this World Cup. It’s very difficult to disappoint again. It was difficult to create chances and keep the pace,” he said.
Paraguay’s remarkable journey has been one of resilience. After opening the tournament with a 4-1 defeat to the United States, the team bounced back with a 1-0 victory over Turkey despite playing the entire second half with 10 men before securing qualification with a goalless draw against Australia.
They will now face the winner of Tuesday’s Round of 32 clash between France and Sweden, with a place in the quarterfinals at stake.
