In one of the most stunning upsets in recent FIFA World Cup history, underdog Paraguay has eliminated four-time tournament winner Germany from the 2026 competition, securing a 4-3 penalty shootout victory after a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time in their round of 32 clash. The result was sealed when calm defender Jose Canale blasted the decisive winning penalty past Germany’s goalkeeper, moments after Germany’s David Tah missed his chance by firing over the crossbar.
The final whistle sparked extraordinary scenes of celebration across the pitch and stands, as Paraguay’s players sprinted to embrace match-winner Canale before collapsing into a jubilant huddle — a moment that will forever be etched into the country’s football folklore. Generations of Paraguay fans hugged and cried inside the stadium, chants of “Vamos!” echoing through the concourse as disbelief turned to unbridled joy.
Entering the tournament ranked 41st in the FIFA world rankings, 31 spots below Germany, the South American side pulled off what many are calling the biggest upset of this year’s World Cup. What makes the victory even more remarkable is Paraguay’s underdog journey to this point: during World Cup qualifying, the side averaged just 0.78 goals per game, the lowest joint tally of any qualifying team to reach the 2026 finals. This is also Germany’s first ever World Cup elimination via penalty shootout; the four-time champions had won their previous four shootout appearances at the tournament, with only one prior shootout defeat at a major tournament dating back to the 1976 Euro final.
For the thousands of Paraguay supporters who traveled to support the team, the result is far more than just a win. Speaking to BBC Sport outside Boston Stadium, 16-year-old Paraguay fan, who attended the match with her family, summed up the national mood: “So many people doubted us. And we proved all of them wrong. We haven’t been to the World Cup since 2010 and I was born in 2010. This means so much to everyone. Not many people know what or who Paraguay is. Now everyone is going to know who Paraguay is!”
Paraguay’s dogged, disciplined defensive performance laid the groundwork for the historic win. Despite Germany dominating possession for 90 minutes plus extra time, holding 75% of the ball, completing 719 passes to Paraguay’s 161, and registering 21 shots to the South Americans’ seven, the resilient underdogs held firm, absorbing wave after wave of German pressure. That pragmatic, resilient style of play is the hallmark of Argentine manager Gustavo Alfaro, who took charge of the national side just six games into the qualifying campaign, and guided them to only one defeat in 12 subsequent matches to secure their tournament spot.
The penalty shootout delivered drama from start to finish. Germany, going first, never held the lead: their opening penalty from Kai Havertz was saved by Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill, and a second stop from Nick Woltemade put the four-time champions on the brink of elimination. Though Paraguay missed two earlier chances to seal the win, substitute Canale held his nerve to slot home the decisive spot kick.
Paraguay defender Gustavo Gomez spoke of the team’s pride after the final whistle: “I think what we are feeling right now is really hard to explain. I am really proud of my team-mates, of the team. We deserved one more game. Today was a game where we needed to show our true colours as the Paraguayan team. Germany knew it would be really hard for them. They knew we would fight not to be defeated. We dedicate this to all the people of Paraguay.”
Pundits and football experts alike were quick to praise the magnitude of Paraguay’s victory. Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin, commentating on the match for BBC Radio 5 Live, said: “We watch football for the emotion, for the joy and for the special moments and we are seeing them down there. It is magical to see such joy. People in front of us are in tears. They cannot believe it. This must be one of the greatest results in Paraguayan football history.”
Leading South American football analyst Tim Vickery highlighted the unique spirit that drove the underdog side to victory: “Paraguay love adversity. If you’re looking for someone to relate to in this World Cup, look for Paraguay. That grit and drive, when it gets difficult, that’s when they come alive. They’ve come through adversity to knock out a giant of European football. It’s not always pretty, they play within their limitations, but what drama, what a story. The objective in this tournament was to make Paraguay feel represented and they’ve done that in full.”
Within hours of the final whistle, Paraguay president Santiago Pena announced a national public holiday for Tuesday 30 June to celebrate the historic achievement. This marks the second public holiday the president has declared for the team, after he announced one when Paraguay secured their World Cup qualification with a match to spare. In his official statement, Pena said the holiday would “commemorate the Paraguayan national team’s epic victory over four-time world champion Germany and its historic advancement to the World Cup round of 16.”
Alfaro, the team’s head coach, echoed the national mood of celebration after the match: “I want all of Paraguay to enjoy this. We may have our defects, but we have a heart that never gives up, and that’s what keeps us alive.”
Paraguay will next face the winner of the France vs Sweden round of 32 tie in Philadelphia this Saturday at 22:00 BST, with a spot in the World Cup quarter-finals up for grabs.