Paraguay stun Germany in dramatic last‑32 upset

Germany suffered a shocking World Cup exit after Paraguay prevailed 4-3 on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw in Foxborough. Julio Enciso’s first‑half header gave Paraguay an unexpected lead, but Kai Havertz equalised early in the second half with his third goal of the tournament. Germany pushed hard in extra time and briefly thought they had gone ahead when Jonathan Tah headed in, only for VAR to rule out the goal due to a foul in the buildup.

The shootout delivered high drama as Orlando Gill saved from Havertz and Nick Woltemade, while Paraguay twice failed to convert potential match‑winning kicks. Tah then blasted over, allowing José Canale to fire home the decisive penalty and seal Paraguay’s greatest World Cup triumph.

Germany, in their first knockout appearance since 2014, were left stunned by another early elimination. Paraguay now brace for a daunting potential clash with France should Les Bleus defeat Sweden.