We have our first major upset of the FIFA World Cup knockout stage.
Paraguay knocked off Germany 1-1 (4-3 on penalties) Tuesday in Boston to reach the Round of 16, ending the German’s chase for their fifth World Cup.
Mauricio, Gustavo Gomez, Matias Galarza and Jose Canale scored for Paraguay during penalties to cement the win.
Germany entered the match as the 12th-ranked side in the world according to FIFA, while Paraguay was 33rd.
Jonathan Tah looked to have put Germany within sight of a win after scoring on a header off a set piece in extra time, but VAR overturned the goal, determining Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill was interfered with.
Paraguay struck first late in the first half on a picture-perfect header from Julio Enciso that snuck past German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in the bottom left corner of the net.
Kai Havertz got one back for Germany early in the second half with a light touch on a header off a ball into the middle. It was Havertz’s third goal at the 2026 World Cup.
Paraguay will play the winner of France and Sweden – who play Tuesday – on the weekend in the Round of 16.
More to come.
