Germany eliminated from World Cup after shock penalty shootout vs Paraguay

Four time World Cup winners Germany are out of the 2026 edition of the tournament after a shocking defeat against Paraguay after penalties. The South American side made history and won 4-3 after the penalty shootout, following a tense 1-1 draw over 120 minutes at Gillette Stadium. The side coached by Julian Nagelsmann struggled to dominate the match against Paraguay's disciplined defense and the South Americans scored before halftime when Julio Enciso notched the opening goal of the day, giving Paraguay a surprise 1-0 lead. Germany responded after halftime, with a Kai Havertz header from Florian Wirtz's cross to level the score at 1-1. Germany controlled the game from then on and pushed relentlessly for a winner, but Orlando Gill produced several important saves to keep Paraguay alive in regular time. The European giants also thought they won it all in the second half of extra time when Jonathan Tah scored to make it 2-1 from a corner kick before VAR overturned the decision following Waldemar Anton's foul on Gill. The tie was decided in a penalty shootout, with Orlando Gill emerging as Paraguay's hero after saving spot-kicks from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade. Manuel Neuer kept Germany's hopes alive by saving a key penalty as well after Toni Sanabria's miss, sending the shootout into sudden death, but Jonathan Tah's mistake, skying his attempt over the goal, proved decisive, allowing Jose Canale to convert the winning penalty. Paraguay advance to the round of 16, where they will face the winner of Tuesday's clash between France and Sweden.