Germany 1-1 Paraguay (PSO 3-4): FIFA World Cup 2026. After 120 minutes, Paraguay overcame four-time world champions Germany on penalties to progress to the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Gustavo Alfaro’s men put in a defensive masterclass that largely nullified Germany’s attack despite ceding the Europeans the lion’s share of possession. Germany circulated the ball over and over in the first half seeking a way through the Paraguay defence, but time and again Leroy Sane, Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz were shut out by Orlando Gill and Co.
Germany came out more inspired after the break and quickly levelled through Havertz, who headed in a cross from Wirtz on the left wing. As the half progressed, Germany pushed for a winner, and Paraguay sat deeper and deeper, waiting for a counterattacking opportunity that never came.
Julian Nagelsmann threw on all of his attacking options in an effort to avoid penalties, and Germany thought they had scored the winner through Jonathan Tah; however, the goal was called back for a foul by Waldemar Anton on Gill.
Germany elected to shoot first in front of their own fans, but it went wrong right from the off. Gill saved Havertz’s penalty, and after a back and forth with multiple missed opportunities, La Albirroja sealed the victory through Jose Canales’ cool finish.
The South Americans will take on the winner of France v Sweden in Philadelphia on 4 July.