MASSACHUSETTS, June 30: Germany suffered its first-ever FIFA World Cup elimination in a penalty shootout as Paraguay pulled off one of the tournament’s biggest upsets, advancing to the Round of 16 after a dramatic Round of 32 victory.
According to Opta, Germany had won each of its previous four penalty shootouts in FIFA World Cup history. The defeat also marked only the country’s second loss in a penalty shootout at a major international tournament, the first coming against Czechoslovakia in the 1976 UEFA European Championship final.
The result ranks among the biggest knockout-stage upsets in modern World Cup history. Germany entered the tournament ranked 10th in the FIFA World Rankings, while Paraguay was ranked 41st, a gap of 31 places.
Since 1994, only three World Cup knockout-stage eliminations have featured a larger disparity in FIFA rankings: Spain’s loss to Russia in 2018 (60 places), Italy’s defeat to South Korea in 2002 (34 places), and Spain’s quarterfinal exit to South Korea later that same tournament (32 places).
The four-time world champions were eliminated after a dramatic contest marked by VAR controversy, missed penalties, and Paraguay’s resolute defending.
After 120 minutes ended in a 1-1 draw, Germany faltered in the penalty shootout, missing three crucial spot kicks as Paraguay converted four of its attempts to claim a 4-3 victory and secure a memorable place in the Round of 16.
Germany appeared to have scored the winner in extra time through Jonathan Tah, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review that determined a foul had occurred during the buildup, sending the match to penalties.
Paraguay held its composure from the spot to complete one of the most memorable victories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (ANI)
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