World Cup 2026: Paraguay knock out Germany after suspenseful penalty shootout 

On June 29, FIFA World Cup audiences were left stunned in a nail-biting match as Paraguay knocked Germany out of the 2026 tournament. 

Germany lost to Paraguay in a penalty shootout after the countries drew 1-1 during the match. 

Germany have not lost a penalty shootout in a World Cup since the 1982 finals in Spain. 

Thus, Monday’s result has left viewers shocked as the four-time champions exit the tournament.

The disallowed goal

Both countries scored one goal during the match.

However, Germany had an additional goal disallowed by VAR in the 102nd minute. 

The goal was scored by Jonathan Tah and was disallowed because the referee ruled that the German defender Waldemar Anton had illegally obstructed and fouled the Paraguayan goalkeeper during the build-up.

This was a highly controversial decision which left fans up in arms. 

Despite the extra time given in the match, the teams were left to resort to penalty kicks to determine the winner. 

Crucial goals and saves in the penalties

Paraguay scored four penalties to beat out Germany’s three, officially making Paraguay champion of the match. 

The Paraguayan goalkeeper, Orlando Gill, was declared a hero for the match as he saved different penalty attempts from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade to give Paraguay an advantage.

Paraguay’s win was secured by Jose Canale as he scored the final penalty. 

When Germany’s coach, Julian Nagalsmann, was asked to comment on his team’s performance, he simply said: “We didn’t do enough today.”

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Paraguay’s national holiday 

Many different videos have been circulating online that have shown Paraguayans singing and dancing in their cities after defeating Germany. 

In accordance with this celebratory spirit throughout the country, the president has declared 30 June a national holiday for the country. 

“In recognition of the historic victory of the Paraguayan national football team over Germany, an authorized national holiday is declared for June 30,” stated President Santiago Peña. 

Paraguay are set to play against the winner of the France-Sweden match. 

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