Germany’s 2026 World Cup campaign ended in heartbreak after they were beaten 4-3 on penalties by Paraguay in a dramatic round-of-32 clash that finished 1-1 after extra time.

The four-time champions were undone in a tense shootout, with Arsenal forward Kai Havertz and Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade both seeing their penalties saved by Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Paraguay also missed chances to seal victory earlier, as Antonio Sanabria fired wide and Fabian Balbuena was denied by Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, keeping the contest alive.

In sudden death, Germany’s misery was sealed when defender Jonathan Tah blazed his effort over the bar, before Jose Canale converted the decisive penalty to send Paraguay through.

Paraguay had taken a first-half lead through Julio Enciso, who rose to head home in the 42nd minute after previously featuring in the Premier League with Brighton and Ipswich. Germany responded strongly after the break and levelled through Kai Havertz, whose glancing header connected with a pinpoint cross from Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz.

Both sides battled through extra time, with Germany briefly believing they had won it when Tah headed home—only for the goal to be disallowed after Waldemar Anton was penalised for a foul on goalkeeper Gill.

The shootout swung back and forth, with Germany missing early opportunities and Paraguay failing to close it out before finally converting their third chance through Canale to spark jubilant celebrations.

Paraguay now advance to the round of 16, where they will face either France or Sweden in Philadelphia on Saturday.