Four-time champions Germany have been knocked out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in their Round of 32 clash on Monday.
The match ended 1-1 after extra time before Paraguay held their nerve to win the shootout 3-2, sealing a place in the Round of 16 and sending one of the tournament favourites home.
Germany fell behind in the first half but battled back to level the score, forcing the contest into extra time after neither side could find a winner in regulation.
With the deadlock remaining after 120 minutes, the tie was decided on penalties, where Paraguay converted three spot-kicks to Germany’s two to complete a major upset.
The defeat marks an early end to Germany’s World Cup campaign despite topping their group and entering the knockout stage as favourites against Paraguay.
Paraguay, who qualified for the knockout rounds as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams, will now advance to the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of the clash between France and Sweden.
