Germany went out of the World Cup in dramatic fashion as Paraguay won 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Boston Stadium, with Jonathan Tah seeing a goal
ruled out in extra time before missing the decisive spot-kick in sudden death.
Paraguay advanced to the last 16 for a tie against France or Sweden, while Germany failed to reach the knockout stage for the third consecutive World Cup, despite leading the shoot-out fightback through Manuel Neuer’s saves and late pressure during extra time.
The penalty shoot-out swung several times. Orlando Gill saved Kai Havertz’s weak effort, and Mauricio scored confidently to maintain Paraguay’s edge. Joshua Kimmich replied with a low strike, then Gustavo Gomez and Jamal Musiala converted, before Matias Galarza coolly sent Neuer the wrong way.
Gill then produced another key stop, lunging out to deny Nick Woltemade, but Antonio Sanabria dragged his attempt wide, briefly returning hope to Germany. Nadiem Amiri scored to extend the contest, Neuer saved Fabian Balbuena’s kick, yet Tah shot over, allowing Jose Canale to finish powerfully.
Canale, who had led Paraguay’s defence throughout, smashed the winning penalty high into the net, sealing a famous win and confirming Germany’s first ever World Cup shoot-out defeat, a result that will trigger major questions around Julian Nagelsmann and this squad.
Paraguay power into the Round of 16 on penalties! #FIFAWorldCupFIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 29, 2026
Germany believed the match had swung their way shortly before half-time in extra time. Nathaniel Brown delivered an inswinging corner towards the far post, where Tah headed in, but following a VAR check, officials judged Waldemar Anton had blocked Gill inside the six-yard box.
The decision cancelled Germany’s celebrations and deepened frustration in the German ranks. Germany continued to press, and Anton later met another cross from close range, but directed his header straight at Gill, who reacted sharply once more to push the ball away.
Earlier in extra time, Musiala received only a yellow card after a reckless challenge on Galarza, adding further tension. Germany, traditionally strong in such high-pressure moments, never turned their territorial dominance into clear chances, leaving the contest to be decided from the spot.
Germany vs Paraguay World Cup first-half shock and Paraguay’s historic goal
Paraguay had signalled clear intent almost immediately. Julio Enciso broke down the left within seconds, combining with Junior Alonso, whose effort forced Neuer into an early save after just 63 seconds, the earliest recorded World Cup shot on target Germany have ever faced.
That early chance set the tone. Germany were passive for long spells, and Paraguay punished them in the 42nd minute. Galarza delivered a precise cross, Enciso slipped free at the back post and headed in, giving Paraguay a 1-0 lead and their first World Cup knockout goal.
The goal came in Paraguay’s sixth knockout stage match and energised their supporters. Germany, despite their status, looked short of ideas, struggling to link midfield and attack, and rarely troubling Gill before the interval, aside from sporadic crosses into the area.
Germany vs Paraguay World Cup second-half response and missed German chances
Nagelsmann brought on Leon Goretzka for the second half, yet Germany’s disjointed play continued. A careless pass from Kimmich almost gifted Paraguay a second, with Neuer again denying Enciso, who remained a constant outlet on the break for the South American side.
Germany finally equalised through a classic wide delivery. Florian Wirtz drove a low cross into the box early in the half, and Havertz glanced a deft header into the bottom-right corner, beating Gill and dragging Germany level, briefly lifting the European team’s tempo.
Wirtz and Havertz combined again in the 77th minute. This time Wirtz’s delivery found Havertz unmarked, but the forward’s free header lacked placement and went too close to Gill, who reacted fast to push the ball away and keep the score at 1-1.
Germany vs Paraguay World Cup tactical calls, defensive stats and xG numbers
Nagelsmann’s selection choices drew scrutiny. Deniz Undav started ahead of Musiala, which left Germany struggling to connect the midfield with the forward line. Most of Germany’s promising moments came from crosses, especially from Wirtz on the flanks, rather than central combinations.
Wirtz left the tournament having provided three assists overall and led this match with four chances created. Still, Germany’s attacking output remained modest. They attempted 21 shots but generated only 1.49 expected goals, underlining how few of those attempts were clear opportunities.
Paraguay’s defensive work underpinned the upset. Canale was particularly dominant, winning all five tackles and making 15 clearances. No other player on the pitch registered more than eight. Paraguay’s compact shape and disciplined tracking limited Germany’s space between the lines throughout the contest.
Germany’s performance level across the tournament also raised concern. After winning the first two group matches and threatening to equal their record run of 12 straight victories, Germany were outplayed by Ecuador in the final group game, then produced another flat display against Paraguay.
Many observers will highlight the VAR incident involving Tah’s disallowed goal, yet the broader picture shows Germany were "outworked and outmatched" in key phases. This World Cup exit leaves the German federation facing serious questions about direction, while Paraguay prepare for the last-16 stage.
Germany 1-1 (3-4 pens) Paraguay The quote goes something like this: Football is a simple game: 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win unless Paraguay beat them in a shootout. pic.twitter.com/enA60RL5lmOpta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) June 29, 2026
The match in Boston will stand as a major World Cup upset, marked by Paraguay’s first knockout goal, Germany’s first shoot-out loss on this stage, and a display where Gill, Canale and Enciso delivered under pressure, while Germany’s long record of tournament resilience finally slipped.
