Paraguay Stun Germany in Penalty Shootout to Advance to Last 16
Paraguay pulled off a historic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Germany after a 1-1 draw in extra time, marking Germany's first-ever World Cup shootout loss.
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Paraguay stunned Germany with a 4-3 penalty shootout win after a 1-1 draw in extra time, advancing to the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in one of the tournament’s most shocking upsets. The South Americans held firm against a German side that has historically excelled in knockout drama, ending Germany's unbeaten record in World Cup penalty shootouts. Al Jazeera described the result as one of the all-time World Cup upsets.
The match, played in Houston, became the first knockout game of the 2026 tournament to go into extra time, according to Vanguard News. Germany pushed for a winner throughout regulation and additional time, responding after Paraguay’s early lead. Kai Havertz equalised with a header, levelling the score and forcing extra time, BBC Sport reported.
Despite Germany’s efforts, Paraguay held firm and triumphed in the shootout. Channels Television confirmed the final outcome, noting that the victory sent Germany out of the tournament and propelled Paraguay into the round of 16. The result marks a significant milestone for Paraguayan football, while Germany faces early elimination from a World Cup for only the second time in recent history.