Paraguay shocked Germany by winning 4-3 on penalties in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Boston on June 29, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Paraguay scoring first through Julio Enciso in the 42nd minute and Germany equalizing in the second half via a Kai Havertz header assisted by Florian Wirtz [2, 4, 5].
Germany’s late extra-time goal by Jonathan Tah was disallowed by VAR for a foul on Paraguay’s goalkeeper [4, 5]. In the penalty shootout, Germany missed three crucial attempts by Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah, handing Paraguay the 4-3 shootout victory [1, 6]. This was Germany’s first-ever loss in a World Cup penalty shootout [1].
The defeat ended Germany’s World Cup campaign early for the third straight tournament, after failing to reach the round of 16 in 2018, 2022, and now 2026 [1, 7]. Germany, who have won four World Cup titles, had topped their group but lost their final group game 2-1 against Ecuador [2, 8].
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, 38, said in a post-match press conference he wants to remain head coach despite the loss. "I’m not someone who runs away," Nagelsmann said. "If the DFB wants it, then I will prepare for the European Championship and the Nations League." He is Germany’s youngest World Cup knockout coach in 40 years and took over the team in 2023 [1, 6].
Paraguay qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time since 2010 and reached the round of 16 for only the second time, matching their best-ever performance [3, 9]. Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro noted their recent qualifier wins over Argentina and Brazil, saying, "We believe we can beat Germany, too." The Paraguayan president declared June 30 a national holiday to celebrate the victory [7, 9].
Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was 40 years old during the match, highlighting the team's mix of veteran leadership and youth [4, 5]. The FIFA rankings for Germany and Paraguay at the time differed slightly among sources, ranging from 10th to 12th for Germany and 34th to 41st for Paraguay [2, 4].
The 2026 World Cup is taking place across North America, with the US hosting matches in cities including Boston, Massachusetts [1, 6]. Germany’s exit on June 29 marks another early World Cup departure for a historically dominant team. They will next prepare under Nagelsmann for upcoming European Championship and Nations League tournaments, pending the German Football Association’s decision [1].
