GUWAHATI: For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, Germany lost a match in a penalty shootout, as four-time world champions crashed out of the 2026 tournament following a stunning Round of 32 defeat to Paraguay at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on Monday, June 29 (local time).
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After battling to a 1-1 draw through regulation time and extra time, Paraguay held their nerve to win 4-3 in a penalty shootout, securing one of the most memorable victories in the country's football history.
The defeat also marked Germany's first-ever loss in a FIFA World Cup penalty shootout. The four-time world champions had previously won all four of their World Cup shootouts before Monday's encounter.
Goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as Paraguay's standout performer, producing a series of crucial saves to keep Germany at bay over 120 minutes before helping La Albirroja clinch victory from the spot.
Germany entered the tournament ranked 10th in the FIFA world rankings, while Paraguay were placed 41st, making the result one of the tournament's biggest surprises. It is also regarded as one of the greatest knockout-stage upsets in FIFA World Cup history.
For Paraguay, the victory marked only their second successful penalty shootout in World Cup history, following their Round of 16 triumph over Japan at the 2010 tournament.
Germany's elimination continues a disappointing run in recent World Cups. The 2026 edition marked the team's first appearance in the knockout stages since lifting the World Cup trophy in 2014, but their campaign ended earlier than expected.
Paraguay will now face either France or Sweden in the Round of 16 in Philadelphia on July 4.