Paraguay created one of the biggest shocks of the FIFA World Cup 2026 by defeating four-time champions Germany in a penalty shootout to reach the Round of 16. The match ended 1-1 after 120 minutes before Paraguay won the shootout 4-3.
Paraguay started strongly and took the lead in the 41st minute when Julio Enciso scored with a header from Matías Galarza’s cross. Germany struggled to break through the South American defence in the first half.
The European giants responded after the break, with Kai Havertz equalising in the 53rd minute through a header assisted by Florian Wirtz. Germany pushed for a winner but Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill made several crucial saves to keep the score level.
Extra time saw more drama, with Germany having a goal ruled out after a VAR review. Neither side managed to find a breakthrough, sending the game into penalties.
In the shootout, Orlando Gill became Paraguay’s hero by saving two penalties, while José Canale scored the decisive spot-kick to seal a historic victory.
The win marks Paraguay’s biggest World Cup result in years and continues their impressive return to the global stage. The team, which reached the quarter-finals in 2010, had missed recent World Cup editions before qualifying again.
Germany’s defeat ended their hopes of another deep tournament run, while Paraguay advanced with confidence after overcoming one of football’s traditional powerhouses.
