Germany’s World Cup 2026 campaign has shockingly come to an end following a defeat slammed on them by Paraguay in a penalty shootout on Monday night.
Germany and Paraguay finished 1-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 showdown on Monday 29 June, 2026 at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, United States (US); both sides went on to penalties, where the Red and White emerged winner by 4-3.
Paraguay went in front in the 42nd minute through RC Strasbourg attacking midfielder, Julio Enciso, after heading in Matias Galarza’s cross.
It was a disappointing performance in the first half from Germany, who are winners of the World Cup a record four (4) times, however, Julian Nagelsmann’s DFB Eleven fought back and levelled in the second half through Arsenal forward, Kai Havertz.
Havertz headed in Liverpool forward, Florian Wirtz’ ball from the flank, to level for Germany in the 54th minute.
The clash extended in extra time, and in the 102nd minute, Bayern Munich defender, Jonathan Tah, found the back of the net for the Germans to make it 2-1 in Boston, however, the goal was chalked off following a check by Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
VAR’s review adjudged, a foul was committed on Paraguay goalkeeper, and with no more goals netted, the contest went into penalties.
The European side missed three (3) penalty kicks, while, the South Americans missed two (2) kicks to eventually win 4-3 and head straight into the World Cup 2026 Round of 16.
Prior to kick off of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Germany were ranked 10th in the World by the World Football Governing Body, FIFA, while, Paraguay ranked 41st.
The defeat suffered by Germany has now become one of the biggest upsets in World Cup Football.
Paraguay will now prepare to face the winner between France and Sweden in Philadelphia, US on July 4, 2026.
In one of the other Round of 32 matches, Morocco defeated Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout after playing out 1-1 in the game that took place at Estadio Monterrey in Guadalupe, Mexico in the early hours of Tuesday 30 June, 2026.
Morocco will now face Canada in the Round of 16 on Saturday 4 July, 2026 at 18:00 (WAT) at Houston Stadium, Houston, Texas, US.
Photo: Julio Enciso celebrates with teammate, Gustavo Gomez, after scoring for Paraguay in the FIFA World Cup R32 match against Germany on Monday in the US | Peter Cziborra/Reuters
