Paraguay shocks germany in penalty shootout to reach world cup round of 16

In a stunning upset at the 2026 Fifa World Cup, Paraguay eliminated Germany in the round of 16 after a dramatic penalty shootout. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Paraguay prevailing 4-3 on penalties. It is another early exit for the German national team, which had already been eliminated in the group stage of the last two tournaments.

The contrast in emotions was stark: Paraguayan players danced in front of their bench, celebrating with hundreds of their fans in the stands. German players, meanwhile, lay on the pitch, faces buried in their hands. The Nationalmannschaft was eliminated in the round of 16 after a match marked by poor performance, though it had its share of drama in the shootout.

The expected dynamic set in from the start: Germany dominated possession with over 80% of the ball but struggled to create chances. It sometimes resembled a cup match, and the underdog Paraguayans stunned the stadium when Enciso scored in the 42nd minute. Julian Nagelsmann made only one adjustment at halftime, bringing on Goretzka for Nmecha, and the Germans equalized quickly through Havertz in the 54th minute.

But they did too little overall to trouble Paraguay, aside from another Havertz header in the 78th minute and one from Goretzka in the 86th. They thought they had found a winner in extra time when Tah converted a corner from Brown in the 102nd minute, but the referee disallowed the goal after a Var review. The qualification was ultimately decided on penalties, and in that exercise, the Paraguayans were more accurate and mentally stronger to secure their place in the next round.

The player: José Canale (Paraguay)

It took nerves of steel in a rollercoaster penalty shootout. After two missed match points by Paraguay, José Canale stepped up with another chance at his feet. The central defender did not hesitate, sending his country to the round of 16. He had already been impeccable alongside captain Gustavo Gomez in an impenetrable central defense, breached only once by Havertz. Canale perfectly managed the different striker profiles he faced, before becoming his team’s hero.

The fact: Paraguay awaits France

Could France meet Paraguay in the round of 16? If the French team qualifies against Sweden on Tuesday, they will face the South Americans in a rematch of their 1998 World Cup clash in Lens. Back then, Aimé Jacquet’s men needed extra time to overcome Paraguay, thanks to a golden goal by Laurent Blanc.