Germany’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign came to a dramatic end after Paraguay claimed a 4-3 penalty shootout victory following a 1-1 draw in the Round of 32. A controversial VAR intervention that ruled out Germany’s extra-time winner became the defining moment before Paraguay held their nerve from the spot to book a place in the Round of 16.
VAR decision changes the course of the match
Paraguay opened the scoring late in the first half through Julio Enciso before Kai Havertz equalised after the break. Germany dominated possession and thought they had found the winner in the 101st minute when Jonathan Tah headed home from a corner.
Also Read | Penalty shootout sends Morocco into last 16, ends Netherlands’ World Cup run
For the first time in men’s World Cup history, Germany have lost a penalty shootout 🤯
✅ 1982 Semifinals: West Germany defeats France 5-4 on PKs
✅ 1986 Quarterfinals: West Germany defeats Mexico 4-1 on PKs
✅ 1990 Semifinals: West Germany defeats England 4-3 on PKs
✅ 2006… pic.twitter.com/zn7QxcZHTu— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 30, 2026
Paraguay keep their cool from the spot
The match remained level after extra time, sending the contest to penalties. Orlando Gill emerged as Paraguay’s hero by saving attempts from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade.
Also Read | Paraguay stun Germany in penalty shootout to seal stunning FIFA World Cup 2026 upset
Germany briefly stayed alive after Manuel Neuer stopped Fabián Balbuena’s penalty, but Jonathan Tah fired his sudden-death effort over the bar.
https://publish.x.com/?query=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fwavycreator_%2Fstatus%2F2071758196750860316&widget=Video
José Canale then converted the decisive kick to seal Paraguay’s 4-3 shootout win and secure a place in the Round of 16, while Germany bowed out after a night dominated by VAR controversy.
