Boston – Germany, four-time world champions, was defeated by Paraguay in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw at Boston Stadium.
For the first time in 12 years, Germany was knocked out, overshadowing its 2014 history of lifting the cup when it defeated Argentina in Rio de Janeiro. They have also won the World Cup in 1954, 1974 and 1990.
But Paraguay handed them a 4-3 defeat at the penalty shootout on American soil on Monday after 120 minutes, despite their 4-1 thrashing by the United States in their group opening. They are now advancing to face either the formidable France or Sweden in the next round on Saturday. 
Paraguay played a determined defence to the end, but Germany had possession and 21 shots against 7 of Paraguay’s as well as 7 to 4 on target. Julio Enciso scored for Paraguay at 42 minutes. But the German, Kai Havertz, equalised at the 54th.
Orlando Gill saved Havertz’s and Nick Woltemade’s advances ahead of Jose Canale’s blast from Jonathan Tah. Gill saved Havertz’s penalty by diving and punching the ball out of harm’s way while Havertz swapped a right-left aim at the net.
Mauricio Magalhães Prado put the first penalty kick in for Paraguay despite Manuel Neuer seeing the right-side aim. After the win, Mauricio told reporters and naysayers of their biggest upsets so far.
“We made history. Everyone assumed Germany was going to make it through. They were already talking about Germany against (the winner) of the other game. I think we did our job and fought to the end,” he said.
Then came Germany, with Joshua Kimmich levelling by shoving Gill into the left side of the goalpost.
Gustavo Gomez scored ahead of Germany, putting Paraguay at 2-1. He beat Neuer to the right when he dived in the opposite direction.
Jamal Musiala scored for Germany, levelling 2-2. It was a near miss when it slid through the keeper’s arm.
Matias Galarza then put Paraguay at a 3-2 lead when he netted on the left.
Then came Gill’s second save, putting Paraguay ahead.
BAntonio Sanabria missed a wide shot to the left, but Paraguay still had the advantage with one more kick remaining.
Nadiem Amiri put Germany at 3-3, and Neuer dived and saved another Paraguayan attempt, stopping Fabián Albueña from his right.
In sudden death, Tah missed a scoring chance for Germany when his shot went high off the crossbar.
JoJosé Canale sealed the German defeat when he delivered Paraguay’s 4-3 win in penalty shootouts.
