Paraguay defeated Germany in a penalty shootout, converting 4 of their attempts while Germany scored 3. The match had finished level at 1-1 after extra time, forcing the shootout to decide which team would advance to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup. Germany, despite being a four-time champion, has been knocked out of the tournament.
Germany enters the tournament as one of the traditional powerhouses, having won the World Cup four times. Penalty shootouts remain a common method for deciding knockout matches when teams are level after extra time, and outcomes can shift quickly based on execution and composure under pressure.
Paraguay has shown resilience and composure in high-pressure moments, executing their penalties effectively to secure a place among the tournament's final 16 teams.
Germany failed to convert all their penalty attempts despite their pedigree as a four-time World Cup winner, marking an early exit from the competition.
Germany and Paraguay played to a 1-1 tie, so they had to take penalty kicks to decide the winner. Paraguay made 4 goals from penalties while Germany made only 3, so Paraguay won and Germany went home from the World Cup.
Having overcome a traditional powerhouse, Paraguay faces the next round with momentum and confidence, though stronger opponents may lie ahead.
scenario – not a predictionThe early elimination marks an unexpected outcome for one of football's most successful nations, prompting questions about squad composition and tactics.
scenario – not a prediction