Paraguay on Monday recorded the biggest upset of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far, knocking out four-time champions Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in a dramatic Round of 32 encounter in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
The thrilling contest, decided after 120 minutes of intense football, marked the first time Germany have ever lost a World Cup match via penalty shootout.
The South Americans took an early initiative and capitalised on their limited chances, with Julio Enciso heading home from close range in the first half after poor German defending left him unmarked in the box.
Germany, however, responded strongly after the break, dominating possession and pressing relentlessly for an equaliser. Their persistence paid off when Kai Havertz rose to meet a cross from Florian Wirtz, nodding the ball into the net to level the score at 1-1.
Despite sustained German pressure, Paraguay’s compact defensive structure held firm, forcing the match into extra time.
Germany thought they had won it in the 102nd minute when Jonathan Tah powered in a header from a corner, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review for a foul on Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
Speaking after the decision, a German team official lamented, “That moment changed everything. We believed we had done enough, but the call went against us.”
With neither side able to find a winner, the match proceeded to penalties, where tension reached its peak.
Havertz missed Germany’s opening kick, while Gill produced crucial saves to keep Paraguay in control. Though Antonio Sanabria missed a chance to seal victory, Germany failed to capitalise fully as Jonathan Tah blazed his effort over the bar in sudden death.
José Canale eventually converted the decisive spot kick, sparking wild celebrations among Paraguayan fans, while German players were left in visible disbelief.
“It is a historic moment for us,” a jubilant Paraguay player said. “We showed resilience, discipline, and belief against one of the best teams in the world.”
Elsewhere, Brazil and Morocco secured their places in the Round of 16 after hard-fought victories in equally tense encounters.
The opening day of Round of 32 fixtures across North America delivered high drama, with two matches decided on penalties and another settled in the dying moments, underscoring the unpredictable nature of knockout football.
Paraguay will now face the winner of the clash between France and Sweden in the next round, as the tournament continues to produce shocking twists and unforgettable moments.