Four-time winners Germany have been knocked out of the 2026 World Cup, losing to Paraguay in a thrilling penalty shootout after the match finished 1-1 following extra time.
The dramatic defeat in North America marks the first time in history that Germany have ever lost a World Cup penalty shootout, having been successful in all four of their previous attempts. Their only other major tournament shootout failure occurred 50 years ago against Czechoslovakia in the 1976 European Championship final.
Gill the Hero as Favourites Blunder
Germany went first in the shootout but faced an immediate setback when Arsenal forward Kai Havertz saw his opening spot-kick saved by Orlando Gill. Newcastle United’s Nick Woltemade was also denied by the 6ft 6in goalkeeper. Despite the advantage, Paraguay twice squandered chances to win the tie in regular rounds; Antonio Sanabria dragged his effort wide before Fabian Balbuena was denied by 40-year-old Manuel Neuer.
The tension carried into sudden death, where Germany defender Jonathan Tah blazed his penalty over the crossbar. Paraguay made no mistake with their third opportunity to seal the match, as central defender José Canale stayed perfectly calm to slot past Neuer and spark scenes of delirium.
Frustration for Wirtz and Nagelsmann’s Men
Earlier in the contest, Julio Enciso had headed Paraguay into a shock lead in the 42nd minute. Germany produced a significantly improved performance after the interval and equalised through a glancing header from Havertz, who connected seamlessly with a cross from Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz.
Germany thought they had secured a late winner when Tah headed into the net, but the goal was ruled out after Waldemar Anton was adjudged to have fouled Gill in the build-up. Gustavo Alfaro’s well-drilled side, who entered the tournament ranked 41st in the world—31 places below Germany—defended narrowly and deep to frustrate Julian Nagelsmann’s attackers through extra time.
The humiliation marks Germany’s third successive World Cup failure since lifting the trophy in 2014, following consecutive group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022. Paraguay now advance to the last 16, where they will face either France or Sweden in Philadelphia this Saturday.
Read more – Brazil survive Japan scare to book Round of 16 berth
Also see – World Cup 2026: Searing Reality Check for Asian Football
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