Paraguay Stun Germany on Penalties to Reach the World Cup 2026 Round of 16
Paraguay are through. In one of the upsets of the 2026 World Cup, La Albirroja knocked out Germany in the Round of 32, holding the four-time champions to a 1-1 draw across 120 minutes at Gillette Stadium before winning the penalty shootout 4-3 to book a place in the Round of 16 Match centre: Germany vs Paraguay. Germany, one of the tournament favorites, are out.
This was not a smash-and-grab. Paraguay led at the break and made Germany chase the game.
How it happened
Julio Enciso struck first, finishing in the 42nd minute from a Matias Galarza assist to send Paraguay into halftime 1-0 up Match centre: Germany vs Paraguay. Germany responded after the restart: Kai Havertz levelled in the 54th minute, set up by Florian Wirtz, and the favorites pushed for a winner.
It never came. Germany thought they had one in the 102nd minute, but the goal was disallowed by VAR for a foul. Through the rest of extra time the Paraguayan back line, marshalled by captain Gustavo Gomez, held firm. After 120 minutes it was still 1-1, and the tie went to penalties.
The shootout
The shootout belonged to Paraguay's nerve and Germany's misfires. Germany missed three of their spot-kicks across the sequence: Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Jonathan Tah all failed to convert. Paraguay kept their composure, and when the decisive kick went in, La Albirroja had won it 4-3 Match centre: Germany vs Paraguay.
For Germany and head coach Julian Nagelsmann, it is a shock exit at the first knockout hurdle. For Gustavo Alfaro's Paraguay, it is the kind of night that defines a generation.
Why it matters
Paraguay arrived in the knockout rounds as underdogs and leave Germany behind them. The squad that did it is built on South American grit and big-club experience: Gustavo Gomez (Palmeiras) anchored the defense, Miguel Almiron drove the midfield, and Enciso, the night's opening scorer, again showed he is Paraguay's most dangerous attacker. Antonio Sanabria and Galarza carried the load up front.
It is a statement result. Paraguay are into the Round of 16 of the World Cup, and they did it by eliminating one of the giants of the game.
What comes next
Paraguay advance to the Round of 16, where their opponent will be set by the corresponding Round of 32 tie. Follow the live bracket and every knockout result on Paraguay's hub page and the full World Cup 2026 bracket.
What was the result of Paraguay vs Germany?
Paraguay drew 1-1 with Germany after extra time in the Round of 32 and won the penalty shootout 4-3 to advance to the Round of 16. Germany were eliminated Match centre: Germany vs Paraguay.
Who scored in Paraguay vs Germany?
Julio Enciso scored for Paraguay in the 42nd minute (assist: Matias Galarza). Kai Havertz equalized for Germany in the 54th minute (assist: Florian Wirtz). The match finished 1-1 after extra time before penalties Match centre: Germany vs Paraguay.
Is Paraguay still in the World Cup 2026?
Yes. Paraguay beat Germany on penalties in the Round of 32 and have advanced to the Round of 16.