Paraguay achieved the biggest upset of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating four-time champions Germany 4–3 in a penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw through extra time in the Round of 32 on Monday.
The match at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, saw defender Jose Canale slot home the decisive spot kick. The dramatic triumph marked Germany's first-ever loss in a World Cup penalty shootout, breaking a streak of six consecutive shootout victories dating back to 1976.
Paraguay took an unexpected lead in the 42nd minute when forward Julio Enciso converted a precise cross from Matías Galarza with a completely unmarked header past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Germany raised their intensity after the interval and levelled the score in the 54th minute when Kai Havertz redirected a sharp cross from Florian Wirtz into the back of the net.
Controversy struck in the 102nd minute during extra time when Germany's Jonathan Tah headed in what appeared to be the winning goal. However, following a extensive video assistant referee (VAR) review, the goal was disallowed after officials ruled that Waldemar Anton had pushed Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill to the ground prior to the shot.
During the tense shootout, Gill became the hero for La Albirroja by denying efforts from both Havertz and Nick Woltemade. Though Paraguay missed two of their own spot kicks, Canale calmly converted his attempt after Germany's Tah missed, sealing the historic victory.
According to an official post-match report by Al Jazeera, the result stands as "arguably the competition's greatest" upset in knockout stage history, given Germany's global ranking of 10th compared to Paraguay's 41st.
Paraguay now advances to the Round of 16, where they are scheduled to play the winner of the France vs. Sweden match in Philadelphia on July 4.