June 30 (THEWILL) — Paraguay pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday, knocking out four-time champions Germany 4-3 in a penalty shootout after an absorbing 1-1 draw at Gillette Stadium.
Defender José Canale held his nerve to convert the decisive spot-kick, sealing a famous victory for La Albirroja after goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as the hero with two crucial saves in the shootout.
Germany dominated much of the contest, controlling possession and creating the better opportunities, but Paraguay’s disciplined defensive structure and clinical finishing ensured the South Americans remained firmly in the contest.
The Germans threatened early through Felix Nmecha and Joshua Kimmich, only to find Gill in commanding form. Despite spending long periods without the ball, Paraguay struck first five minutes before halftime.
The breakthrough came from a set-piece after Miguel Almirón won a corner. Manuel Neuer punched the initial delivery clear, but Paraguay recycled possession and Matías Galarza’s inviting cross was met by Julio Enciso, whose header beat the German goalkeeper to give his side a surprise 1-0 lead.
Germany responded positively after the restart and restored parity in the 54th minute. Kai Havertz timed his run perfectly to guide a header into the net, setting up an intense battle as the Europeans searched for a winner.
The four-time world champions believed they had completed the comeback during extra time when Jonathan Tah headed home from a corner. However, following a VAR review, the goal was disallowed after Waldemar Anton was ruled to have impeded Paraguay goalkeeper Gill.
With neither side able to find another breakthrough, the match was decided from the penalty spot.
Gill delivered when it mattered most, denying both Havertz and Nick Woltemade to swing the shootout in Paraguay’s favour. Neuer briefly kept Germany’s hopes alive by saving Toni Sanabria’s penalty, but Tah’s missed effort in sudden death handed Paraguay the opportunity to complete the upset.
Canale stepped forward and calmly sent Neuer the wrong way, sparking wild celebrations among the Paraguay players and supporters as the South Americans secured a memorable place in the Round of 16.
Germany finished with the superior attacking numbers, generating significantly more chances throughout the match, but Paraguay demonstrated resilience, defensive discipline and composure under pressure to earn one of the tournament’s most remarkable victories.
Paraguay will now face the winner of the Round of 32 clash between France and Sweden as they continue their unexpected World Cup journey.
