Paraguay produced the biggest upset of the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage on Monday, eliminating four time champions Germany 4 to 3 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1 to 1 draw following extra time at Boston Stadium in Foxborough.
Ranked 37th in the latest FIFA rankings, Paraguay defied the odds against 12th ranked Germany in front of 63,945 spectators to book their place in the Round of 16. It was the tournament’s first penalty shootout and one of the biggest knockout upsets in World Cup history.
Julio Enciso gave Paraguay a surprise lead late in the first half with the country’s first ever goal in a men’s World Cup knockout match. Germany responded in the 54th minute when Kai Havertz equalised, but neither side could find a winner during the additional 30 minutes.
Germany thought they had completed the comeback in extra time when Jonathan Tah found the net. However, the goal was ruled out after a controversial foul on Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill, a decision that sparked debate among broadcasters and fans alike.
Gill and Canale become Paraguay’s heroes
The shootout delivered more drama. Paraguay appeared on course to seal victory before veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer saved their fifth penalty, forcing sudden death.
Germany’s Jonathan Tah then blasted his team’s sixth penalty over the crossbar, leaving José Canale with the chance to complete one of Paraguay’s greatest footballing achievements. He calmly converted the decisive kick to send the South American side into the Round of 16.
Reuters reported that Gill had already denied penalties from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade before Tah’s miss handed Paraguay the advantage. The defeat also marked Germany’s first ever loss in a World Cup penalty shootout.
Speaking after the famous victory, Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill said, “It’s difficult to describe in words. It was a very challenging game. We were under attack from all sides but we resisted.”
Captain Gustavo Gómez praised his teammates’ determination, calling the result a proud moment for the nation after one of the most disciplined defensive displays of the tournament.
Germany’s World Cup struggles continue
Germany entered the match as clear favourites after topping their group and enjoying more possession throughout the contest. However, Julian Nagelsmann’s side once again failed to convert dominance into victory.
The four time world champions have now suffered group stage exits at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups before crashing out in the first knockout round in 2026. The latest disappointment is expected to increase scrutiny on Nagelsmann and his squad after another underwhelming campaign.
Paraguay will face the winner of France versus Sweden in Philadelphia on July 4. By reaching the Round of 16, the South Americans have secured at least $15 million in FIFA prize money, while Germany leave the tournament with $11 million.
The match also drew attention off the pitch. Although Boston Stadium fell just 201 spectators short of capacity, the atmosphere remained vibrant throughout. Ticket prices had dropped sharply before kickoff as resale demand softened, while viral German supporter “Freddy” reacted to the disallowed extra time goal with a series of question marks before posting a broken heart emoji after Germany’s elimination.
