Paraguay beats Germany on penalties to reach World Cup round of 16

Paraguay upset Germany in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, winning a penalty shoot‑out after a 1‑1 draw. Julio Insiesto opened the scoring for Paraguay in the 38th minute, while Florian Verts equalised for Germany early in the second half. The match, played at Boston's stadium, went to extra time before proceeding to penalties.

German striker Kai Havertz and others missed their spot‑kicks, while Paraguay held their nerve, with José Canali converting the decisive penalty. Moroccan referee Jalal Jaid, the first from Morocco to officiate at a World Cup, oversaw the game, cancelling a potential German goal after a VAR review. The result sends Paraguay to the round of 16 and marks Germany's first World Cup knockout‑stage exit via penalties.