The Paraguay national team created a surprise by eliminating Germany in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup in a penalty shootout that ended 4-3 after a 1-1 draw at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, United States.
The result sent Paraguay through to the round of 16, where they will face the winner of the France vs. Sweden match a day later. Germany, meanwhile, had to leave the World Cup early for the third consecutive edition.
After Paraguay's lead through Julio Ensico in the 42nd minute was answered by Germany through Kai Havertz's header in the 54th minute, both teams spent the remaining normal time and the 2 x 15 minutes of extra time without scoring any additional goals.
Ironically, Havertz was one of three German executioners who then failed to convert their penalty kicks in the penalty shootout drama along with striker Nick Woltemade and defender Jonathan Tah.
Meanwhile, in the Paraguayan camp, only Antonio Sanabria and Fabian Balbuena failed among the six penalty takers who were on duty in the penalty shootout before Jose Canale became the deciding factor in qualification for the round of 16.
