FIFA World Cup 2026: Germany suffer 1st-ever penalty shootout defeat as Paraguay pull off historic upset
Massachusetts, June 30
Germany suffered their first-ever FIFA World Cup elimination in a penalty shootout, having won each of their previous four shootouts at the tournament.
It was also only their second defeat on penalties at a major international tournament, the first coming against Czechoslovakia in the 1976 UEFA European Championship final (5-3), as per OptaJoe.
The result also ranks among the biggest knockout upsets in modern World Cup history. Germany entered the tournament ranked 10th in the FIFA World Rankings, while Paraguay were 41st, a gap of 31 places.
Since 1994, only three World Cup knockout eliminations have featured a larger rankings disparity: Spain's defeat to Russia in 2018 (60 places), Italy's loss to South Korea in 2002 (34 places), and Spain's quarter-final exit to South Korea in 2002 (32 places).
The four-time champions are heading home early after a dramatic night defined by VAR controversy, missed penalties, and defensive resilience, as Paraguay pulled off the biggest upset of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by eliminating Germany in the Round of 32.
After a gruelling 120 minutes that ended 1-1, Germany buckled in the penalty shootout, missing three crucial spot-kicks as Paraguay held their nerve to seal a famous victory and advance dramatically.
Germany thought they had found a winner in extra time through Jonathan Tah, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review for a foul in the build-up, forcing the contest into a penalty shootout.
The South Americans held their nerve to win 4-3 from the spot after standard and extra time finished deadlocked at 1-1.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, as an Indian football fan, it's refreshing to see the underdogs triumph. Germany's pedigree is unmatched, but Paraguay showed that rankings don't win you matches—grit and determination do. The VAR call was correct in my opinion; Tah's foul was clear. Great game!
Germany missing three penalties? Unthinkable! But that's what happens when you rely too much on history and stats. Paraguay's goalkeeper deserves a statue—saving those spot-kicks under pressure was masterclass. India should take notes: never give up, even against big teams! 🇩🇪💥🇵🇾
I was watching this at 2 AM in Bangalore! The tension was unreal. Germany's 4-4-2 didn't work against Paraguay's compact defence. Maybe they underestimated South American football. VAR drama aside, this upset will be remembered for decades. Imagine if India could pull off something like this someday! 🙏
As a football fan from the US, I have to say this is one of the greatest upsets I've ever seen. The gap in rankings (31 places) is staggering, but Paraguay played with such organisation. Germany will be kicking themselves for those missed penalties, especially the captain's. Truly historic night in Massachusetts!
I agree with the sentiment, but I think Germany's tactics were to blame. They became too predictable in extra time. Paraguay defended in a low block and counter-attacked brilliantly. The VAR decision was correct, but it still hurts for German fans. For India, this shows that football is about strategy, not just star
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