By Dwayne Ferreira
Paraguay stun Germany on penalties after a 1-1 draw, with José Canale sending the South Americans into the World Cup last 16.
Paraguay stun Germany on penalties in one of the defining shocks of the FIFA World Cup 2026, eliminating the four-time champions 4-3 after a tense 1-1 draw in the round of 32.
Germany arrived in Foxborough as heavy favourites after opening their campaign with a ruthless 7-1 win. Yet Paraguay turned belief into history through defensive endurance, tactical discipline and extraordinary nerve. After 120 minutes of pressure, wasted German chances and VAR drama, José Canale stepped forward in sudden death and buried the decisive kick to send the South Americans into the last 16.
Paraguay Stun Germany On Penalties After Early Warning
Germany controlled the ball from the start. Julian Nagelsmann picked an attacking side and gave Deniz Undav his first World Cup start, hoping the tournament’s form player could help crack Paraguay early. The rhythm looked familiar: Germany passed, Paraguay protected space, and the South Americans waited for the right counter.
However, possession did not bring clarity. Germany moved the ball with patience but struggled to create clean first-half chances. Paraguay defended deep, shut central lanes and forced the favourites into anxious decisions. By the 35th minute, Germany had completed far more passes, but they still had not produced a meaningful shot on target.
Then the match flipped. Paraguay broke quickly down the right, and Julio Enciso powered a header into the net late in the first half. It was Paraguay’s first-ever knockout-stage goal at a World Cup. More importantly, it changed the emotion of the night and made Germany chase.
Germany finally answered after the restart. Florian Wirtz curled a precise cross into the area, and Kai Havertz guided a glancing header past Orlando Gill to level the game. The equaliser seemed to restore German belief, but Paraguay refused to abandon their structure or their courage.
Canale Keeps Cool As Germany Fall
Extra time brought more German pressure. Jonathan Tah thought he had completed the comeback in the 102nd minute when he headed in at the far post. Instead, a long VAR review ruled the goal out for a foul on the goalkeeper. That decision pushed the drama into penalties.
The shootout became a brutal test of nerve. Germany, historically so trusted from the spot, could not pass it. Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Tah all failed to score, while Gill produced crucial interventions. Paraguay also missed twice, but Canale stayed calm when the moment demanded it.
For Germany, this defeat brings another major tournament failure and sharper pressure on Nagelsmann. For Paraguay, it is a night of national football history. They now face either France or Sweden in the round of 16, carrying belief from a victory few expected and nobody in Paraguay will ever forget.
Match Summary
Germany – 1
Kai Havertz 54’
Paraguay – 1
Julio Enciso 42’
Result: Paraguay won 4-3 on penalties
Penalty Shootout: Germany 3-4 Paraguay
Player of the Match: Orlando Gill
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Round of 32
Venue: Boston Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Next Fixture: Paraguay vs France or Sweden, Round of 16
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