Penalty drama reshapes World Cup path for Paraguay and Germany

Paraguay secured a place in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 after defeating Germany on penalties in Philadelphia, ending the four‑time champions’ campaign at the round of 32 for the first time.

Paraguay opened the scoring in the 42nd minute when Julio Enciso headed in a corner to give the Albirroja a 1‑0 lead. Germany responded in the 54th minute with a glancing header from Kai Havertz to level the match.

Throughout the first half Germany dominated possession and generated more shots, recording 16 corner kicks, yet the Paraguayan defense blocked eight attempts. Orlando Gill made six saves in regular time, keeping the score tied.

In extra time, Jonathan Tah rose above the defense to head what appeared to be a decisive goal in the 102nd minute, but VAR overturned it after Waldemar Anton was judged to have fouled Gill. The decision restored the deadlock and the match proceeded to a penalty shootout.

The shootout saw Gill start with a psychological walk, then block Kai Havertz’s penalty and later deny Nick Woltemade’s spot‑kick. Antonio Sanabria missed his attempt wide left, while Nadiem Amiri converted his for Germany.

Manuel Neuer saved Fabián Balbuena’s penalty, sending the contest to sudden death, where Jonathan Tah’s attempt sailed over the bar. José Canale then stepped up and scored, securing Paraguay’s victory.

The result marks Germany’s first penalty‑shootout loss in World Cup history and confirms Paraguay’s progression to face the winner of the France‑Sweden match on 4 July in Philadelphia.