FOXBOROUGH (BOSTON), 30 June (H.S.): Paraguay pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday by defeating four-time champions Germany 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the Round of 32 match ended 1-1 following extra time. José Canale converted the decisive spot-kick to send Paraguay into the Round of 16.

The victory is being hailed as one of the greatest in Paraguay's World Cup history. Having last reached the quarter-finals in 2010, Paraguay has now secured a place in the Round of 16 on its return to the tournament and will next face the winner of the France-Sweden clash.

Germany dominated possession from the opening whistle. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann adopted an attacking approach by handing Deniz Undav his first start of the tournament after the forward had contributed three goals and two assists earlier in the competition. Despite controlling much of the first half, Germany failed to register a shot on target.

Paraguay capitalised on its opportunity before the break. Following a swift attacking move led by Miguel Almirón, Julio Enciso headed home to give Paraguay a 1-0 lead. The goal was Paraguay's first-ever strike in the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup.

Germany responded strongly after the interval. In the 54th minute, Kai Havertz headed in Florian Wirtz's precise cross to level the score at 1-1. Both teams created further chances, but neither could find a winner during regulation time.

Germany thought it had secured victory in the 102nd minute when Jonathan Tah scored with a header. However, after a lengthy Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, the goal was disallowed for a foul on Paraguay's goalkeeper, forcing the contest into a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Germany's Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Jonathan Tah all failed to convert their penalties. Paraguay also missed two attempts, but José Canale calmly scored the decisive penalty to seal a famous 4-3 shootout victory and book his team's place in the Round of 16.

Brief Score:

Paraguay 1 (4) – 1 (3) Germany (after penalties)

Goals: Julio Enciso (Paraguay), Kai Havertz (Germany)

Result: Paraguay won 4-3 on penalties to advance to the Round of 16.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar