Paraguay’s shock win against Germany headlines all-time World Cup upsets

Paraguay achieved a significant upset in the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating four-time champions Germany in a penalty shootout in the Round of 32. This victory, secured 4-3 on penalties after a thrilling match, marks the latest in a series of unexpected outcomes in World Cup knockout stages. The article highlights this as the biggest upset in World Cup knockout history, noting Paraguay's resilience after an initial group stage loss. It also references other notable upsets, including Bulgaria's win over Germany in the 1994 quarterfinals and South Korea's defeat of Italy in the 2002 Round of 16.

Paraguay has secured a major upset in the 2026 World Cup, defeating Germany 4-3 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw through extra time. The round of 16 match, held in Foxborough, Massachusetts, saw Paraguay take the lead with a first-half header from Julio Enciso, only for Germany's Kai Havertz to equalize in the 52nd minute. In the decisive penalty shootout, Jose Canale scored the first sudden-death kick, and goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two crucial saves. Paraguay will advance to face the winner of the France vs. Sweden match on July 4. This victory marks Paraguay's first knockout stage win against Germany in the World Cup, avenging a 2002 loss.

Paraguay has eliminated Germany from the FIFA World Cup 2026 in a last-32 match decided by a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. Germany, ranked 10th in the world, trailed at halftime to a Julio Enciso header but equalized in the second half through Kai Havertz. A subsequent German goal was disallowed by VAR. In the shootout, Germany missed three kicks, while Paraguay converted four to win 4-3. This defeat, against 41st-ranked Paraguay, is described as potentially the greatest upset in World Cup history, particularly in the knockout stage. It marks Germany's first penalty shootout loss at a World Cup and their failure to reach the last 16 since 2014.