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Paraguay stunned four-time FIFA World Cup champions Germany after advancing to the round of 16 after winning 4-3 on penalties on Monday in an absolutely thrilling match with a key controversial moment.
That moment came in extra time, necessary after the 1-1 draw after 90 minutes plus injury time between these two rivals.
Germany had dominated throughout this match, but Paraguay took advantage of their Grade A opportunity in the first half when Julio Enciso scored a header in the 42nd minute. The Germans were finally able to score in the 54th minute, when Kai Havertz saw his own header go into the back of the net.
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Julio Enciso of Paraguay celebrates with teammate Gustavo Gomez after scoring the team’s first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match against Germany at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on June 29, 2026. (Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
From there, Germany went on the offensive, taking advantage of opportunity after opportunity with some from Paraguay. But when extra time began, it seemed only a matter of time before Germany scored another and took the lead.
It seemed to happen when Jonathan Tah rose and headed a corner kick past Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill. The German faithful inside Boston Stadium were furious, but that was short-lived after the head referee went to the VAR screen to review a possible foul.
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During the corner kick, Germany’s Waldemar Anton appeared to obstruct Gill’s movement towards the ball and eventually defend Tah’s header. And if he was just trying to sell the lack, it worked.
After review, the goal was disallowed and the referee explained that Anton’s actions had prevented Gill from having the opportunity to stop the header.
After 30 minutes of extra time, neither team was able to break the 1-1 tie. As a result, the first penalty shootout of the tournament was scheduled to determine who would advance to the round of 16 and who would return home.
Things didn’t start on the right foot for Germany when Havertz approached the ball and saw Gill make a save. Maurício took advantage of that momentum and scored his first to immediately put Paraguay in a good position to win.
Both teams would chase their next two penalties each before Nick Woltemade’s attempt was saved by Gill. Paraguay now had the opportunity to win it all, but Antonio Sanabria missed the team’s fourth penalty.
Orlando Gill of Paraguay celebrates after Julio Enciso scored the team’s first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match against Germany at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on June 29, 2026. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Nadiem Amiri kept Germany’s hopes alive with a successful shot on the team’s fifth attempt, but since penalties are determined by five shots, Fabián Balbuena had the chance to win it all. However, Manuel Neuer, one of the most decorated goalkeepers in football history, not to mention the German team, maintained control with a save to force another round.
With a slight boost from his side, Tah advanced towards the penalty area with the opportunity to score another winning goal, this time with his boot. But his attempt was miserable and he sent it over the crossbar and into the stands.
Paraguay, elated by the ruling, sent José Canale to the area and he did not disappoint. Neuer guessed wrong and Canale put his shot under the crossbar and Paraguay celebrated as expected: pure joy.
It is the first time that Germany has lost on penalties in the FIFA World Cup.
Germany were left shocked on the pitch as their journey to the 2026 World Cup comes to an end. And it’s hard not to think what would happen if they seemed to have the winning goal on the scoreboard only to have it taken away in a decision that will surely be debated for some time.
Paraguayan midfielder Julio Enciso celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup round of 32 match against Germany at Boston Stadium in Foxborough on June 29, 2026. (Odd Andersen/AFP via Getty Images)
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Meanwhile, Paraguay will now await the winner of the round of 32 match between France and Sweden, which will be played on Tuesday at 5 pm ET at New York/New Jersey Stadium.
