Germany and Paraguay battled for 120 minutes but Gustavo Alfaro’s men held their nerve in the penalty shootout to secure a historic victory.
Germany 1-1 Paraguay (PSO 3-4)
Germany goal: Havertz (54) Paraguay goal: Enciso (42)
After 120 minutes, Paraguay overcame four-time world champions Germany on penalties to progress to the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Gustavo Alfaro’s men put in a defensive masterclass that largely nullified Germany’s attack despite ceding the Europeans the lion’s share of possession. Germany circulated the ball over and over in the first half seeking a way through the Paraguay defence, but time and again Leroy Sane, Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz were shut out by Orlando Gill and Co.
With time winding down in the first half, La Albirroja took the lead against the run of play after one of their few corners of the match. The outswinger was punched away by Manuel Neuer, but Paraguay recycled the ball before Matias Galarza swung in a beautiful cross that a wide open Julio Enciso headed home.
Germany came out more inspired after the break and quickly levelled through Havertz, who headed in a cross from Wirtz on the left wing. As the half progressed, Germany pushed for a winner and Paraguay sat deeper and deeper, waiting for a counterattacking opportunity that never came.
Julian Nagelsmann threw on all of his attacking options in an effort to avoid penalties, and Germany thought they had scored the winner through Jonathan Tah, however the goal was called back for a foul by Waldemar Anton on Gill.
Germany elected to shoot first in front of their own fans, but it went wrong right from the off. Gill saved Havertz’s penalty and after a back and forth with multiple missed opportunities, La Albirroja sealed the victory through Jose Canales’ cool finish.
The South Americans will take on the winner of France v Sweden in Philadelphia on 4 July.
Key stat
Julio Enciso’s first half goal was Paraguay’s first in the World Cup knockout stage.
What they said….
“I think the feeling is hard to explain. I’m very proud of my teammates, of the group. I think I said in the last interview that this group deserved one more game, and with everything we’ve been through, I’m most impressed by our unity. We have incredible strength to face any situation. Germany knew they needed to work incredibly hard to beat us.” Gustavo Gomez, Paraguay player
“An immense thrill. It was a tough match. We managed to hold on. We opened the scoring, they equalized, but then we managed to keep it up. Obviously, we analyzed every player and every detail of the penalty takers. Thank God I was able to save two penalties. This is a privilege; we eliminated a champion. This is dedicated to all Paraguayans”. Orlando Gill, Paraguay goalkeeper
Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match
Orlando Gill (Paraguay)