Germany vs Paraguay Match Result: Paraguay Knock Out Germany In Biggest Upset Of World Cup 2026

Germany National football team’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign came to a heartbreaking end as underdogs Paraguay made history as one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

They defeated the four-time champions 4-3 on penalties after a tight 1-1 draw in the Round of 32. Julio Enciso's clinical strike and Orlando Gill's heroics from the spot ensured La Albirroja marched into the last 16, while Die Mannschaft were left wondering how another World Cup slipped away.

Germany dominated possession and dictated the tempo at Boston Stadium from the start. However, Paraguay National Football team once again proved why Gustavo Alfaro's side have been one of the tournament's toughest teams to break down.

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Enciso Makes History Before Germany Responds

Although Julian Nagelsmann's men controlled the opening exchanges, with Leroy Sane, Florian Wirtz, and Kai Havertz, Paraguay's organized back-line, headed by Orlando Gill, refused to give the Germans any clear sight of goal.

Much to the shock, the South Americans struck first against the run of play just before half-time. Manuel Neuer punched away an initial corner, but Paraguay gathered back possession brilliantly before Matias Galarza delivered a teasing cross that Julio Enciso powered home with a free header in the 42nd minute.

The goal was a historic one, becoming Paraguay's first-ever strike in a FIFA World Cup knockout match. The goal shocked the German giants as they could hardly believe.

Germany responded exactly as expected after the break. Just nine minutes into the second half, Florian Wirtz curled in a delightful cross from the left and Kai Havertz rose highest to head home the equaliser.

The momentum stayed firmly with Germany as Nagelsmann introduced more attacking options in search of a winner. Jonathan Tah even thought he had completed the comeback late in normal time, only for the goal to be ruled out after Waldemar Anton was adjudged to have fouled Gill in the build-up.

Paraguay, meanwhile, defended with brilliant calmness and resilience, frustrating Germany national football team through extra time to force the match into penalties.

Gill's Heroics as Paraguay Complete Upset

The Germans were first to take the penalty, but the shootout immediately swung Paraguay's way as Orlando Gill brilliantly denied Kai Havertz from the spot.

The drama continued with both teams missing further penalties. Jose Canales stepped up with nerves of steel to calmly convert the deciding kick, sealing a famous 4-3 shootout victory and sending Paraguay into the Round of 16.

Goalkeeper Gill, who saved two penalties after an outstanding performance across 120 minutes, dedicated the victory to the Paraguayan people.

"It was a tough match. We managed to hold on. We analysed every penalty taker and every detail. Thank God I was able to save two penalties. This is a privilege; we eliminated a champion. This is dedicated to all Paraguayans," Gill said after the match.

Paraguay captain Gustavo Gomez hailed the unity within the squad after another remarkable performance.

"I'm very proud of my teammates and this group. We knew Germany would have to work incredibly hard to beat us. Our unity has been our biggest strength throughout this tournament," Gustavo expressed.

For Germany, another World Cup campaign ended in bitter disappointment. Nagelsmann admitted his side moved the ball too slowly and failed to make their dominance count, while Havertz struggled to hide his frustration.

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"I'm a little lost for words. This is my second World Cup and both times it came to nothing. We have to take a hard look at ourselves, especially the players," Havertz said.

Paraguay will now lock horns with the winners of France versus Sweden in the Round of 16, carrying this momemtum, eliminating one of world football's biggest giants.

Germany vs Paraguay Match Result: Germany 1-1 Paraguay (Paraguay won 4-3 on penalties)

Goalscorers:

Netherlands - Kai Havertz (54') Paraguay - Julio Enciso (42')