By our reporter 30.6.2026
Four-time champions Germany were bundled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by Paraguay after a 4-3 penalty shootout win on Monday.
Paraguay who qualified for the round of 32 as third place finishers pulled off the biggest upset of the 2026 tournament, showing Germany exit door. Jose Canale converted the decisive spot kick in sudden death after goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two crucial saves in the shootout to send the South Americans through.
Paraguay took the lead three minutes before halftime when Julio Enciso headed home after a flowing move involving Miguel Almirón and Matias Galarza.
Germany responded in the 52nd minute as Kai Havertz nodded Florian Wirtz’s cross beyond Gill to level the match. Full time was 1-1.
“We had very big plans for this World Cup. It’s very difficult to disappoint again,” Havertz said. “It was difficult to create chances and keep the pace.
“I’m speechless. My second World Cup, and we’ve messed up for the second time. The last few tournaments were a disaster. The only thing I can say is I’m sorry. We players need to take a long, hard look at ourselves. We’re playing for a huge country with a rich football history,” Havertz said
Meanwhile top German players have been accusing of dodging penalty duties.
According to reports captain Joshua Kimmich tried to convince Leon Goretzka and Nathaniel Brown to step up but they refused allowing Jonathan Tah to taking the long walk to the penalty spot and he missed. It was the first penalty of his professional career.
For Germany, the defeat continues a disappointing run at recent World Cups. After back-to-back group-stage eliminations in 2018 and 2022, the four-time champions have now exited in the first knockout round despite reaching the last 32.