Paraguay’s dramatic 3-2 penalty shootout win over Germany in the 2026 World Cup round of 32 marked a historic upset. Germany had not lost a knockout match since their 2014 World Cup victory and had never before lost a penalty shootout at the tournament. According to OneFootball.

Germany’s Unbeaten Penalty Record Ends

Germany had scored 18 of their 19 penalties in World Cup shootouts, missing only one since 1982. The last miss, saved by France’s Jean-Luc Ettori in 1982, was a World Cup record. According to OneFootball. This streak ended with two missed penalties in the match: Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade both had their kicks saved by Paraguay’s Orlando Gill. Jonathan Tah then missed the target entirely, the first time a German player had done so in a World Cup shootout. According to The Spokesman-Review.

Paraguay’s goalkeeper, Gill, was instrumental in the win. He saved both Havertz and Woltemade’s kicks and later saved from Fabian Balbuena. His saves and the composure of Paraguay’s players allowed them to win 3-2 in the shootout. According to The Spokesman-Review.

Controversy and Comebacks

The match itself was tied 1-1 after extra time. Germany thought they had taken the lead when Jonathan Tah headed in, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review. According to The Spokesman-Review. Paraguay, who had lost 4-1 to the USMNT in the group stage, showed resilience in the match and in the shootout.

Germany had won their last 15 penalties in World Cup history but could not overcome the pressure in Foxborough. According to OneFootball. The match was a continuation of Germany’s struggles since the 2014 World Cup final. They have not won a knockout match in that time and had suffered consecutive group-stage exits prior to this shock loss.

Coach Nagelsmann Stands by His Post

Despite the loss, Julian Nagelsmann refused to step down as Germany’s head coach. He acknowledged the team’s performance issues but expressed confidence in his ability to lead the team forward. According to OneFootball (spa).

“I’m not the sort of person who runs away,” Nagelsmann said. “If the DFB (German FA) wants me to carry on, then I’ll carry on.” He added that the support for the team may return with more wins, but he was not surprised by the current criticism.

Germany’s exit from the 2026 World Cup is the fourth-biggest knockout-stage shock in World Cup history based on team rankings since 1992. According to The Spokesman-Review. Paraguay, ranked lower than Germany, will next face either France or Sweden in the round of 16.