Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup 2026 by eliminating four-time champions Germany in a dramatic Round of 32 encounter, winning 4-3 on penalties after a hard-fought 1-1 draw following extra time.
Goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as the hero with two crucial penalty saves before defender José María Canale calmly converted the decisive spot-kick, sending La Albirroja into the Round of 16 and completing a long-awaited revenge over Germany.
The victory also erased painful memories of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, when Oliver Neuville’s heartbreaking 88th-minute winner knocked Paraguay out of the Round of 16.
Now, Gustavo Alfaro’s side advances to the last 16, where they will face either France or Sweden.
Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro had stressed before the match that while possession mattered, defending would be the key to survival—and his players executed the game plan to perfection.
Paraguay created the game’s first chance after just two minutes when defender Júnior Alonso headed goalward from a corner, forcing veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer into an early save.
That proved to be one of the few attacking opportunities for Paraguay during the opening half as Germany dominated possession with nearly 80 percent of the ball.
However, despite completing more than 300 passes before halftime, Julian Nagelsmann’s side struggled to break down Paraguay’s compact defensive block and failed to register a meaningful effort on Orlando Gill’s goal.
Miguel Almirón, returning from suspension, remained Paraguay’s primary outlet on the counterattack, while Germany repeatedly resorted to tactical fouls to halt the Newcastle United playmaker’s dangerous breaks.
Paraguay’s patience was rewarded just before the interval. Following a dangerous corner from Almirón that Neuer punched clear, Damián Bobadilla produced a crucial tackle to prevent Germany from launching a counterattack.
The loose ball eventually found Matías Galarza on the right wing, whose pinpoint cross located Julio Enciso completely unmarked inside the penalty area.
The Brighton attacker made no mistake, powering his header beyond Neuer to give Paraguay a stunning 1-0 lead in the 42nd minute.
Remarkably, it was Paraguay’s second shot on target of the match, while Germany had yet to test Gill.
Nagelsmann responded immediately after halftime by introducing Leon Goretzka, and Germany found an equaliser less than 10 minutes into the second half.
Joshua Kimmich delivered a dangerous cross that Kai Havertz expertly glanced into the far corner, restoring parity at 1-1.
Germany continued to dominate possession but found Paraguay’s disciplined defensive structure almost impossible to penetrate.
Gill was finally called into serious action in the 77th minute, producing an outstanding save to deny Havertz’s second powerful header from another Kimmich delivery.
The match moved into extra time with Germany continuing to pile on pressure.
In the 102nd minute, the Germans believed they had found the winning goal when Jonathan Tah headed home from a Nathanael Brown corner.
Their celebrations, however, were cut short.
Following a lengthy VAR review, referee Jalal Jayed ruled that Waldemar Anton had illegally impeded Orlando Gill inside the six-yard box, and the goal was disallowed.
The decision handed Paraguay renewed belief as Alfaro’s men continued to defend heroically.
Despite Germany monopolising possession throughout the 120 minutes, they managed only six shots on target, underlining Paraguay’s remarkable defensive resilience.
The contest was ultimately decided in a nerve-racking penalty shootout.
Gill once again became Paraguay’s saviour, producing two outstanding saves to put his side firmly in control.
Although Paraguay nearly let the advantage slip after missing opportunities to seal victory earlier in the shootout—including a miss from substitute Fabián Balbuena, who had been introduced specifically for penalties—the drama was far from over.
With sudden death looming, Jonathan Tah blasted Germany’s penalty over the crossbar.
That left José María Canale with the opportunity to make history.
The centre-back calmly converted the decisive penalty, sparking wild celebrations among the Paraguayan players and supporters as La Albirroja booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
For Paraguay, the victory represents one of the nation’s greatest World Cup achievements and a perfect measure of revenge 24 years after Germany ended their dreams in heartbreaking fashion.
Now, Gustavo Alfaro’s disciplined and determined squad stands just one victory away from matching the country’s best-ever World Cup run.
Credit Photo : APF
