Shock at the 2026 World Cup! Germany knocked out by Paraguay after VAR and penalty drama (Video)
Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
Germany sensationally crashed out of the 2026 World Cup after a dramatic clash with Paraguay.
Details: Julian Nagelsmann’s squad lost to Paraguay in the round of 16. After 120 minutes, the scoreboard read 1-1, but it was Paraguay who held their nerve in the penalty shootout—winning 4-3.
The match unfolded in Boston at Gillette Stadium. Paraguay struck first in the 42nd minute, thanks to a goal from Julio Enciso, but Germany hit back after the break—Kai Havertz equalized in the 54th minute.
In extra time, the Germans came agonizingly close to a rescue act. Jonathan Tah thought he’d put his team ahead in the 102nd minute, but after a VAR review, the goal was chalked off. The reason? A foul on the goalkeeper—Waldemar Anton was adjudged to have impeded the keeper during the play.
Neither side could find a winner in extra time, sending the contest to penalties, where Orlando Gill emerged as the hero. The Paraguayan keeper stopped spot-kicks from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade, while Jonathan Tah missed the target altogether.
For Germany, it’s a painful exit at the very first stage of the knockout rounds. Paraguay, meanwhile, keeps their World Cup dream alive and advances to the next stage of the tournament.
Reminder: Germany's goal ruled out in match against Paraguay (Video)
