Germany were knocked out of the World Cup in the last 32 after losing on penalties to Paraguay following a 1-1 draw after extra time. The match, played at Boston Stadium in Foxborough on June 29, 2026, saw Arsenal's Kai Havertz and Newcastle's Nick Woltemade both fail from the spot, handing Paraguay a historic victory.
Historic Penalty Shootout Defeat
Paraguay defender Jose Canale emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive penalty after the South Americans had wasted two earlier chances to seal victory. This marks the first occasion Germany have ever been beaten on penalties at a World Cup, having previously triumphed in all four of their prior shootouts, converting 17 of 18 spot kicks along the way.
According to reports, Germany manager Julien Nagelsmann said after the match, "We dominated possession but couldn't convert our chances. It's a bitter pill to swallow."
Match Summary
Paraguay served early notice by earning a corner inside the opening minute, with Junior Alonso nearly converting at the far post. Germany controlled possession thereafter but struggled to create clear chances. Paraguay struck against the run of play late in the first half when Miguel Almiron threaded a reverse pass to Matias Galarza, whose cross found Julio Enciso. The former Brighton striker powered his header into the net from 12 yards out.
Germany emerged after the break with greater purpose. Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz delivered a sumptuous cross from deep, and Havertz's deft flick header found the bottom corner to level proceedings. Havertz had a chance to grab a second in the 78th minute from a similar Wirtz cross but directed his header straight at goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
Extra Time Drama
Despite commanding 76% of possession throughout 90 minutes, Germany mustered only three shots on target, and the match proceeded to extra time. Newcastle striker Woltemade fired an effort that struck the elbow of Paraguayan defender Gustavo Gomez, but the referee ruled the arm was in a natural position. Jonathan Tah thought he had scored 12 minutes into extra time from a corner, but VAR ruled that Waldemar Anton had fouled goalkeeper Gill. Contact appeared minimal, but the goal was disallowed. Anton then spurned a glorious opportunity in the dying moments, diverting a close-range header straight into Gill's arms.
Penalty Shootout
The shootout saw Havertz's attempt saved, while Paraguay converted their opening three penalties. Woltemade then failed, handing Paraguay two chances to seal victory. However, Antonio Sanabria dragged his penalty wide, and ex-West Ham defender Fabian Balbuena had his spot kick saved. Tah blasted his penalty over the crossbar as the shootout entered sudden death, and Canale converted the decisive kick.
Paraguay progress to the last 16, where they will face either France or Sweden.
