Asunción: Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup 2026, eliminating four-time champions Germany National Football Team in a dramatic penalty shootout to secure a place in the Round of 16 and send shockwaves through the football world.
The South American side defeated Germany 4-3 on penalties after an intense contest ended 1-1 following extra time. The victory not only secured Paraguay’s progression in the tournament but also delivered one of the most memorable moments in the nation’s football history.
A Night of National Pride
The result sparked celebrations across Paraguay, with fans flooding streets, public squares, and gathering points to celebrate a victory few had predicted before kickoff.
Paraguayan President Santiago Peña hailed the achievement as a historic moment for the country and announced a national holiday in recognition of the team’s remarkable accomplishment. In a message shared on social media, he praised the squad’s determination and resilience, describing the victory as a testament to Paraguay’s fighting spirit.
For a nation with a proud football tradition but limited World Cup success compared to global heavyweights, the triumph over Germany represents one of the greatest victories in its sporting history.
Defensive Discipline and Mental Strength
Throughout the match, Paraguay demonstrated exceptional organization and defensive discipline against a German side that entered the tournament among the favorites.
Despite facing sustained pressure from one of international football’s most accomplished teams, Paraguay remained composed and refused to be overwhelmed. Their disciplined approach frustrated Germany for long periods and ensured the contest remained tightly balanced deep into extra time.
When the match ultimately came down to penalties, Paraguay displayed remarkable composure, converting their opportunities with confidence while Germany struggled under pressure.
VAR Drama Changes the Match
One of the most significant moments of the encounter arrived during extra time when Germany appeared to have scored what could have been the winning goal.
Defender Jonathan Tah found the net, seemingly putting Germany on the brink of qualification. However, a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review identified a foul earlier in the attacking sequence, leading officials to disallow the goal.
The decision proved pivotal.
Instead of facing elimination, Paraguay gained renewed momentum and confidence, eventually forcing the match into a penalty shootout where they seized their opportunity.
Germany’s Historic Exit
The defeat marks one of the most painful World Cup exits in recent German football history.
According to tournament statistics, it was the first time Germany had ever been eliminated from a FIFA World Cup through a penalty shootout. It also represents only the second penalty-shootout defeat suffered by Germany in a major international competition.
For decades, Germany built a reputation as one of football’s most reliable tournament performers, often thriving under pressure in knockout matches. Their latest exit therefore carries particular significance given the nation’s history of success on football’s biggest stage.
The loss also brings an unexpectedly early end to Germany’s 2026 World Cup campaign and raises questions about the team’s ability to convert dominance into results in crucial moments.
Regional Support for Paraguay
Paraguay’s achievement resonated beyond its borders.
Among those celebrating the victory was Chilean President José Antonio Kast, who congratulated Paraguay after witnessing the dramatic conclusion in Asunción.
He described the penalty shootout as an emotional spectacle and welcomed the advancement of another South American nation into the knockout stages of the competition.
The victory has been widely celebrated across Latin America, where Paraguay’s success is viewed as a triumph for regional football against one of Europe’s traditional powerhouses.
One of the Tournament’s Biggest Surprises
The upset becomes even more remarkable when viewed through the lens of pre-tournament expectations.
Germany entered the World Cup as one of the highest-ranked teams in international football, while Paraguay arrived as underdogs with comparatively modest expectations. The significant gap in rankings and historical pedigree made Germany overwhelming favorites before the match.
Yet World Cup history has repeatedly demonstrated that rankings and reputations often matter little once knockout football begins.
Paraguay’s victory now joins a list of famous World Cup surprises that have captivated fans across generations. Like several iconic underdog triumphs before it, the result serves as a reminder that determination, tactical discipline, and belief can overcome even the most formidable opposition.
For Paraguay, attention now turns to the Round of 16, where confidence will be soaring after eliminating one of the tournament’s traditional giants. The team’s defensive resilience and mental strength under pressure have established them as a dangerous opponent capable of troubling any side remaining in the competition.
For Germany, meanwhile, the focus will shift toward reflection and rebuilding after a campaign that ended far earlier than expected. The disappointment of failing to progress beyond the knockout stage will undoubtedly prompt scrutiny of performances, tactical decisions, and missed opportunities.
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to deliver drama and surprises, Paraguay’s stunning victory over Germany has already secured its place among the tournament’s defining moments—a result that will be remembered by fans for years to come as one of the great World Cup upsets of the modern era.
