2026 World Cup: Germany’s Stunning Upset; Paraguay Advances on Penalties
A bitter disappointment for Germany at the 2026 World Cup: the Germans were sensationally eliminated by Paraguay in the round of 16 of the World Cup. After a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time, the match was decided on penalty kicks: La Albirroja prevailed 4-3 and advanced to the round of 16, where they will face the winner of France vs. Sweden.
A first half to forget for Julian Nagelsmann’s team: the Germans dominated possession but never managed a shot on goal, thanks in part to the South American side’s very defensive approach. Wirtz and his teammates maintained sterile possession and failed to create chances, unlike the South Americans, who cynically took the lead in the 42nd minute on their only chance. Following a corner kick, Galarza crossed into the box for Enciso, whose header left Neuer with no chance: for Paraguay, it was their first-ever goal in a World Cup knockout stage match.
Germany tried to shake things up in the second half, Nagelsmann brought on an experienced player like Goretzka in place of the disappointing Nmecha; the Mannschaft increased the pressure and tied the game at 1-1 in the 54th minute: Wirtz crossed into the box, Havertz beat his direct marker to the ball and headed it past Gill.
With the score level, Germany gave Paraguay more space, and Paraguay began to threaten Neuer’s goal more consistently but lacked precision. The match suddenly picked up pace with several twists and turns: Gill made a decisive save against Havertz in the 77th minute. Nagelsmann brought on Musiala for Undav, and then Woltemade for Sané, in a final push. But the score remained unchanged, sending the match into extra time for the first time in the World Cup.
In extra time, Paraguay retreats into its own half, only to try to launch counterattacks. The Germans create danger first through Kimmich, then through Woltemade, who in the 97th minute fires a powerful shot on the turn but is denied by the Paraguayan defenders. The Mannschaft finally seemed to have found the key to breaking through against the weary Paraguayans: in the 104th minute, Tah headed in the 2-1 goal off a corner kick, but VAR overturned the goal due to a foul by Anton on the South American goalkeeper Gill; Nagelsmann was booked for protesting. Tensions flared; Germany protested a foul on Woltemade in the box, but the referee let play continue. Second half of extra time, both teams were exhausted: Paraguay sat back, hoping for a penalty shootout or a lucky counterattack. Nagelsmann brought on Amiri and Thiaw for the final ten minutes.
It goes to penalties, and it’s a festival of misses: Gill saves shots from Havertz and Woltemade, but misses by Sanabria (wide) and Balbuena (saved by Neuer) level the score. Tah misses badly from the spot, kicking the ball over the crossbar. Canale misses too, and the Albirroja sensationally advances to the round of 16.
