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Paraguay knocked out Germany to reach the Round of 16 after prevailing 4-3 in a penalty shootout that followed a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes, according to multiple match reports from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Julio Enciso scored for Paraguay while Kai Havertz replied for Germany in regulation, CBS Sports reported. The result marks a stunning upset as Germany, winners of the tournament in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014 according to FIFA records, exits in the first knockout round.
FIFA data places this as the first major upset of the knockout stage, with Paraguay advancing to meet the victor of Tuesday’s France-Sweden clash. FOX Sports broadcast the match with commentators noting Paraguay’s clinical finishing from the spot after both teams missed opportunities in extra time. The encounter at Gillette Stadium drew significant global attention as an underdog South American side ended the European powerhouse’s campaign.
Match statistics released by FIFA show Paraguay generated several dangerous counterattacks while Germany controlled possession for long stretches without converting dominance into a winning margin. Enciso’s goal came from a well-worked move that exploited space behind the German defense, ESPN coverage indicated. Havertz equalized from a set piece as the four-time champions pushed for a winner that ultimately never materialized in open play.
Paraguay’s goalkeeper made two crucial saves during the shootout to secure progression, according to live updates carried by Yahoo Sports. This victory represents one of the nation’s most significant results in World Cup history, building on their previous best of reaching the quarterfinals in 2010 per tournament archives. German coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed disappointment in post-match comments reported across outlets, citing missed chances as the difference.
The 2026 edition, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, features an expanded 48-team format that has produced competitive early knockouts. Paraguay’s success highlights improved preparation in CONMEBOL qualifying, where they finished strongly, World Cup organizers noted in pre-tournament briefings. Germany’s exit leaves the field open for other traditional powers as the tournament advances into the last 16.
Further details from the match indicate both teams received yellow cards for robust challenges, with no red cards issued by the referee. Paraguay will now prepare for a tougher test against likely strong opposition from the European bracket, CBS Sports analysis found. This outcome underscores the unpredictable nature of single-elimination football at the highest level.
