Paraguay defeats Germany in World Cup penalty shootout upset

Paraguay eliminated four‑time champions Germany in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, winning a 4‑3 shootout after a 1‑1 draw that included extra time. The victory was described as one of the tournament’s biggest surprises and sent Germany out of the competition for the third consecutive edition.

In Germany, the loss has sparked criticism of manager Julian Nagelsmann, with media reports speculating about his possible dismissal and naming former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp as a potential replacement. Earlier commentary also highlighted a pattern of scapegoating within the German camp, pointing to recent criticism of striker Deniz Undav.

Across the broader tournament, analysts note a growing emphasis on penalty‑shootout preparation. Researchers such as Geir Jordet cite psychological training and specialist practice as key to coping with the high‑pressure situation that has claimed Germany and the Netherlands this week. The United States team, observing the upsets, said it is intensifying its own penalty drills ahead of a forthcoming knockout match.