Germany's national team was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup in the Round of 32 after losing to Paraguay on penalties — 3:4. The match ended 1:1 after regular and extra time. This is the first penalty shootout defeat in the history of the four-time world champions.
How it unfolded
Paraguay took the lead in the 42nd minute: Julio Enciso finished off a pass from Matías Galarza. Twelve minutes after the break, Kai Havertz equalized with a header following a pass from Florian Wirtz.
During extra time, Germany appeared to have secured victory. Defender Jonathan Tah headed in a corner kick — but VAR recommended the referee review the incident. The referee disallowed the goal, citing an alleged foul by Waldemar Anton on goalkeeper Orlando Giménez. According to ESPN, this decision was incorrect: Giménez himself initiated the contact.
«The goalkeeper ran into him himself. I think they made a mistake with the decision».
Peter Schmeichel, Fox Soccer commentator
Penalty shootout: three misses — and elimination
During the shootout, Paraguay had two chances to advance but Manuel Neuer saved both attempts. Meanwhile, Havertz missed his first shot, Nico Schlotterbeck missed the fourth penalty, and Tah missed the sixth, sending the ball over the crossbar. José Canales scored the decisive penalty for Paraguay.
According to Fox Sports, this is the fourth biggest upset in knockout matches since FIFA introduced its ranking system in 1992. Paraguay was ranked 34th in the world rankings, while Germany was ranked significantly higher.
- Germany's misses: Havertz (1st), Schlotterbeck (4th), Tah (6th)
- Paraguay's goalkeeper Orlando Giménez saved two penalties
- The winning penalty by Canales — in sudden death
Paraguay's next opponent will be the winner of the France-Sweden matchup in the Round of 16 in Philadelphia.
The question that will linger after this match: will FIFA change the VAR protocol regarding fouls on the goalkeeper — or will these controversial incidents continue to decide the fate of favorites if referees have the authority to disallow goals based on goalkeeper simulation?
