Germany’s 2026 World Cup campaign is over after Paraguay secured a penalty shootout victory following a 1-1 draw after extra time, sending the four-time world champions out before the last 16.
Paraguay held their nerve in a tense penalty shootout after both sides missed opportunities to settle the contest. Goalkeeper Orlando Gill proved the hero, saving penalties from Arsenal forward Kai Havertz and Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade before Jose Canale converted the decisive sudden-death spot kick.
The South Americans took a surprise lead just before half-time when former Brighton and Ipswich forward Julio Enciso headed home in the 42nd minute. Germany produced a much-improved performance after the break and levelled through Arsenal’s Kai Havertz, whose glancing header from Florian Wirtz’s cross forced the match into extra time.
Paraguay defended resolutely throughout the closing stages and thought they had survived when Jonathan Tah headed Germany into the net during extra time. However, the goal was ruled out after Waldemar Anton was judged to have fouled Gill.
Germany immediately fell behind in the penalty shootout when Havertz’s opening effort was saved, although Paraguay twice missed chances to secure victory as Antonio Sanabria fired wide and Fabian Balbuena was denied by veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Germany were handed another opportunity to stay alive, but Tah sent his sudden-death penalty over the crossbar. Canale then converted to spark jubilant celebrations among the Paraguay players and supporters.
Paraguay will now face either France or Sweden in the last 16 in Philadelphia on Saturday.
For Germany, it marks another disappointing World Cup exit. Winners in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014, they have now endured disappointing campaigns at three successive World Cups since lifting the trophy, having failed to progress beyond the group stage in both 2018 and 2022 before this latest defeat.
Paraguay, who began the tournament ranked 41st in the FIFA world rankings, recovered impressively after losing 4-1 to the United States in their opening match. Under head coach Gustavo Alfaro, they have become difficult to break down and difficult to score against, qualities that proved decisive against one of international football’s most successful nations.
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