Germany’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign came to a stunning end after Julian Nagelsmann’s side suffered a shock penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay following a tense 1-1 draw in Foxborough, bringing one of international football’s most formidable knockout records to a close.
Paraguay struck first just before half-time through Julio Enciso, whose towering header not only stunned the German defence but also established a new national milestone. No Paraguayan player had ever scored in the knockout rounds of a FIFA World Cup before the 21-year-old produced his historic finish.
Kai Havertz rescued Germany early in the second half with another crucial goal, continuing his outstanding World Cup form. The Arsenal forward has now scored three goals at the 2026 tournament and five across his first six World Cup appearances, placing him alongside Germany’s modern World Cup greats.
Despite dominating possession for long spells and creating the better chances, Germany were repeatedly frustrated by Paraguay’s disciplined defensive structure and the outstanding performances of goalkeeper Orlando Gill and centre-back José Canale. Their frustration deepened in extra time when Jonathan Tah’s apparent winner was overturned after a VAR review ruled out the goal for goalkeeper interference.
The match also added another entry to Germany’s long World Cup history, becoming the nation’s 12th encounter requiring extra time—the most by any team in FIFA World Cup history, moving them ahead of both Italy and Argentina. Meanwhile, veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer reached an unwanted milestone by conceding in a 10th consecutive World Cup appearance, becoming only the second goalkeeper after Mexico’s Antonio Carbajal to do so.
Ultimately, Germany’s tournament ended from 12 yards. Havertz missed the opening penalty before further misses left José Canale with the opportunity to seal Paraguay’s victory in sudden death. The defender converted confidently, handing Germany their first-ever World Cup defeat in a penalty shootout and sending Paraguay into the Round of 16 for the first time in 16 years