World Cup 2026: Paraguay Beat Germany 4-3 on Penalties to Reach Round of 16

Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to book their place in the Round of 16.

Coach Gustavo Alfaro had urged his players to seize the opportunity, and Paraguay nearly made a dream start when Junior Alonso found space from a corner inside the opening minute but failed to beat veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

Germany, who had showcased their attacking quality with a 7-1 victory over Curaçao in the group stage, struggled to break down Paraguay’s disciplined defence for much of the contest.

Deniz Undav fired wide during a frustrating first half for the four-time world champions before Paraguay struck against the run of play.

After Neuer punched away a corner, Paraguay recycled possession, with Matias Galarza delivering a cross from the right that found Julio Enciso completely unmarked to head home before halftime.

The goal was Paraguay’s first ever in a World Cup knockout match after failing to score in their previous five appearances at that stage of the competition.

Germany responded after the interval by introducing Leon Goretzka, but they were fortunate not to concede again when Joshua Kimmich’s under-hit backpass forced Neuer into an emergency clearance to deny Enciso.

The equaliser eventually arrived when Florian Wirtz drifted in from the left and delivered a cross that Kai Havertz expertly glanced into the far corner.

Paraguay later suffered a setback when goalscorer Enciso was forced off through injury, reducing their attacking threat.

Germany pressed relentlessly for a winner, but goalkeeper Orlando Gill produced several important saves, including a brilliant stop to deny Havertz.

Jonathan Tah thought he had completed the comeback with a powerful header in extra time, only for the goal to be ruled out following a VAR review for a foul on the goalkeeper by Waldemar Anton.

Despite sustained pressure and a series of German set-pieces, Paraguay defended resolutely to force a penalty shoot-out.

The South Americans held their nerve from the spot, converting four penalties to Germany’s three and sealing a famous victory that sends them into the Round of 16 while ending Germany’s World Cup campaign in dramatic fashion.