Germany suffered a stunning elimination from the 2026 World Cup on Monday, losing 4-3 on penalties to Paraguay in the round of 32 after a 1-1 draw in Foxborough, Massachusetts. This marks the first time Germany have ever lost a penalty shootout at a World Cup.
Match Summary: Enciso and Havertz Trade Goals
Paraguay took a shock lead just before half-time when Julio Enciso headed home from a Matias Galarza cross. Kai Havertz equalized for Germany in the 54th minute with his third goal of the tournament, glancing a Florian Wirtz cross into the far corner. Jonathan Tah had a goal disallowed in extra time after a VAR review for a foul by Waldemar Anton on the goalkeeper.
Penalty Shootout Drama
The shootout was a tense affair. Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill saved from Havertz and Nick Woltemade, but Paraguay missed two chances to win before Jose Canale blasted in the winning spot-kick after Tah blazed over. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said: "We are devastated. We had chances but couldn't finish."
Historic Context and Next Opponents
This is another early exit for Germany, who were playing their first knockout-stage match since winning the 2014 World Cup. Paraguay celebrated arguably their greatest World Cup win and will face France in the next round if Les Bleus beat Sweden. Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro had urged his players to "grasp the opportunity of a lifetime," and they delivered.
Key Incidents and Statistics
Paraguay's goal was their first in a World Cup knockout stage, having failed to score in their previous five such matches, including a 1-0 defeat by Germany in the 2002 last 16. Germany's 7-1 win over Curacao in the group stage had masked their attacking struggles. Paraguay lost Enciso to injury in the second half but held on. Miguel Almiron returned from a one-match ban after being sent off for covering his mouth under new FIFA rules.
