FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — In a stunning turn of events at the 2026 World Cup, Paraguay triumphed over Germany 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout, marking the tournament’s biggest upset so far. The pivotal victory came when Jose Canale expertly scored during the first sudden death penalty kick, coupled with Orlando Gill’s impressive two saves during the shootout.
The intense round of 16 clash concluded in a deadlock at 1-1 after extra time. Paraguay initially took the lead with a spectacular header from Julio Enciso near the end of the first half. However, Germany, with their rich World Cup history, equalized in the 52nd minute thanks to Kai Havertz.
This surprising victory propels Paraguay into the next round, where they will face off against the victor of Tuesday’s match between France and Sweden. This upcoming contest, set for July 4 in Philadelphia, offers Paraguay the opportunity to return to Foxborough by securing a quarterfinal spot on July 9.
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Germany’s Antonio Ruediger (2) battles for a header with Paraguay’s Gabriel Avalos (21) during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Germany and Paraguay in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) -
Germany’s Nathaniel Brown (18) is in action during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Germany and Paraguay in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) -
Germany’s Kai Havertz (7) celebrates after scoring his side’s opening goal with teammate Aleksandar Pavlovic (5) during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Germany and Paraguay in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) -
Paraguay’s Julio Enciso (19) celebrates after scoring his side’s opening goal with Gustavo Gomez (15), top, during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Germany and Paraguay in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) -
Germany’s Kai Havertz (7) scores his side’s first goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Germany and Paraguay in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Historically, Germany has been formidable in penalty shootouts, triumphing in six of their seven encounters in major tournaments. Notably, they had won six consecutive shootouts since their loss to Czechoslovakia during the 1976 European Championship final.
Reflecting back on their only previous World Cup fixture, Germany defeated Paraguay 1-0 during the 2002 tournament’s round of 16. Fast forward nearly 25 years, and Paraguay has finally claimed their poignant revenge.
Paraguay had appeared in five previous knockout games but failed to score in each. It advanced only once in those previous occasions, winning on penalty kicks against Japan in the round of 16 at the 2010 tournament in South Africa. It fell that year to eventual champion Spain in the quarterfinals.
Monday was Germany’s first knockout game since the 2014 final in Brazil when the Germans beat Argentina 1-0 to capture their fourth World Cup title.
On Monday, Germany appeared to take a 2-1 lead in the 102nd minute when Jonathan Tah headed in a corner kick by Nathaniel Brown that was just above the reach of Gill. But a video review ruled that Waldemar Anton has pushed Gill to the ground before the shot and the goal was disallowed.