FIFA World Cup 2026: VAR controversy ends Germany's campaign as Paraguay advance to RO16
Massachusetts, June 30
A controversial VAR decision that ruled out Germany's potential extra-time winner proved decisive as Paraguay stunned four-time champions Germany in a penalty shootout to book their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026, The Athletic reported.
The Round of 32 encounter at Gillette Stadium ended 1-1 after 120 minutes before Paraguay kept their composure from the spot to seal a famous victory, with Germany missing three penalties in the shootout.
Germany believed they had secured the win in the 101st minute when Jonathan Tah headed home from a corner. However, after German players celebrated the goal, referee Jalal Jayed of Morocco was instructed to review the incident on the pitch-side monitor following a VAR intervention, according to The Athletic.
According to The Athletic, the goal was disallowed after the referee ruled that Germany defender Waldemar Anton had impeded Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill's movement while attempting to reach the cross, constituting a foul in the build-up.
The decision forced the match into a penalty shootout, where Paraguay held their nerve to complete one of the biggest upsets of the tournament and eliminate one of the pre-tournament favourites, The Athletic reported.
The defeat marked Germany's earliest exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026, while Paraguay progressed to the Round of 16 after a memorable night defined by VAR controversy, defensive resilience and clinical finishing from the penalty spot.
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).
— ANI
Reader Comments
VAR ruining the beautiful game again! I remember when India hosted the U-17 World Cup and we had such passionate crowds. This is heartbreaking for German fans. But let's be real - if the goalie was impeded, it's a foul. The real story is Germany missing three penalties - that's just pathetic for a top team. Paraguay's defensive resilience was something else, proper South American grit.
As someone who follows both cricket and football, I find VAR controversies amusing. In cricket, we debate for hours if the ball hit the bat or pad. Here, a corner kick goal gets overturned because a defender 'impeded' the keeper. Football is losing its flow with these constant reviews. The 2002 South Korea-Italy match comparison is interesting - that was pure robbery though! This was at least a valid decision, even if harsh.
From a neutral perspective, this was a fantastic game! The drama, the tension, the penalties - everything a World Cup knockout match should have. Germany's early exit reminds me of how England always underperform in big tournaments. But credit to Paraguay - they defended like lions and held their nerve. VAR is here to stay, get used to it or go watch cricket! 🏏
Heartbreaking for Germany but absolutely thrilled for Paraguay! This is what the World Cup is all about - David vs Goliath moments. The rankings gap of 31 places shows how unpredictable football can be. In India, we're still waiting for our first World Cup appearance, hopefully in 2030 or 2034. Until then, I'll enjoy such underdog victories. Vamos Paraguay! 🇵🇾❤️
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