Germany’s 2026 World Cup campaign has come to a stunning end after they were beaten by Paraguay on penalties in the round of 32.
The four-time world champions were eliminated following a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat after the match finished 1-1 following extra time.
It represents one of the most significant upsets of the tournament so far, with Germany among the pre-competition favourites to go deep.
Paraguay held their nerve throughout the shootout to book their place in the last 16, delivering a remarkable result against one of football’s most decorated nations.
Germany have won the World Cup on four occasions, making their exit at this stage all the more shocking for their supporters around the world.
The two sides could not be separated across 90 minutes of regulation play, with the 1-1 scoreline sending the tie into extra time.
Despite an additional 30 minutes of football, neither team was able to find a winner, forcing the drama of a penalty shootout to settle the tie.
Paraguay converted four of their penalties with composure and clinical precision, while Germany’s challenge ultimately fell short at the crucial moment.
It is a desperately disappointing outcome for Germany, who will reflect on what might have been after failing to progress beyond this stage of the competition.
Paraguay, meanwhile, will now look ahead to the last 16 with enormous confidence, having proven they are capable of competing with and defeating the very best in the world.
Their fans will celebrate a historic victory that few outside of South America predicted when the two sides were drawn to face each other in this stage of the tournament.
For Germany, the soul-searching begins immediately as they consider where this squad goes from here following another major tournament exit.
