World Cup 2026: Paraguay surprises Germany and wins penalty shootout

There were tears of disbelief and unbridled happiness as the unflappable Jose Canale scored the decisive penalty for Paraguay, resulting in one of the biggest upsets in recent World Cup history. The South American team won 4-3 in the penalty shootout against four-time champions Germany, after the last 32 match ended 1-1 after extra time. The celebration was euphoric, with players running towards the match-winning defender before collapsing in a jubilant huddle, marking one of the defining moments in their team history. Paraguayan supporters of all generations embraced each other with tears streaming down their faces as the cheers of “Vamos!” echoed through the stadium. After more than two hours of tension and controversy, La Albirroja - ranked 41st in the FIFA rankings at the start of the tournament, 31 places below Germany - had done the unthinkable. The relief and ecstasy could be seen on the face of every Paraguayan supporter. A tough and resilient side that averaged just 0.78 goals per match during qualifying, the lowest of any team to reach the final, had eliminated Germany in their first World Cup knockout match since 2014. For Germany, the defeat was historic. It was their first penalty shootout elimination at the World Cup, having won their previous four, and only their second failure in a shootout at a major tournament after losing the Euro 1976 final. And for Paraguay? The country's president declared a national holiday to celebrate their football team within hours of the victory. It was a result that will live long in Paraguay's football history and is one of the biggest surprises of the World Cup in modern times, and certainly the biggest upset of the tournament to date. “This means so much to our country,” said a 16-year-old Paraguayan girl, who was outside Boston Stadium with her family. "So many people doubted us. And we proved them all wrong. We haven't been to the World Cup since 2010 and I was born in 2010. This means so much to everyone. I haven't been this happy in so long. It's amazing and such a big event for our country. Not many people know what or who Paraguay is. Now everyone is going to know who Paraguay is!" Paraguay withstood German pressure early and produced a disciplined, determined performance, sitting deep and absorbing the pressure. Germany had 75% possession, completing 719 passes to Paraguay's 161, and registered 21 shots to their opponent's seven. But this is a hallmark of Paraguay's renaissance under their 63-year-old Argentinian manager Gustavo Alfaro. He took charge of six games in the qualifying campaign and guided them to just one defeat in 12 games to qualify with relative ease. In the shootout, Germany went first, but never led. Havertz's opening penalty was saved by Orlando Gill, while Nick Woltemade was also denied, leaving them on the brink of a World Cup exit. Paraguay, meanwhile, missed two chances to seal victory before substitute Jose Canale controlled his nerves to fire home the decisive penalty and extraordinary scenesto unleash. Paraguayan defender Gustavo Gomez said: "I think what we feel now is really hard to describe. I am very proud of my teammates, of the team. We deserved one more match. Today was a match where we had to show our true colors as a Paraguayan team. Germany knew that it would be very difficult for them. They knew that we would fight not to be defeated. We dedicate this to all the people of Paraguay." Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin, who was at the match for BBC Radio 5 Live, couldn't help but smile at what he saw. “We watch football for the emotion, for the joy and for the special moments and we see that there,” he said. "It's magical to see such joy. People in front of us are in tears. They can't believe it. This has to be one of the greatest results in Paraguayan football history." South American football expert Tim Vickery felt the typical Paraguayan spirit shone through on the day. “Paraguay loves adversity,” he said. "If you're looking for someone to identify with in this World Cup, look at Paraguay. That Welsh word 'hwyl', that perseverance and drive, when the going gets tough, they come alive. They've endured adversity to take down a giant of European football. It's not always pretty, they play within their limitations, but what drama, what a story. The aim in this tournament was to make Paraguay feel represented and they have done that to the fullest." Paraguay will now play either double champions France or Sweden in Philadelphia on Saturday (10pm BST). Paraguay's president, Santiago Pena, had already announced a holiday after they qualified for the World Cup with a match in hand. Now, with a place in the last 16 assured, the president has declared another public holiday for Tuesday, June 30. In the announcement, he said the day was "to commemorate the Paraguayan national team's epic victory over four-time world champions Germany and its historic progress to the knockout stages of the World Cup." Head coach Gustavo Alfaro said he hoped all of Paraguay could celebrate the moment. “I want all of Paraguay to enjoy this. We may have our shortcomings, but we have a heart that never gives up, and that is what keeps us alive.

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