Foxborough, Massachusetts — One of the most remarkable stories of the FIFA World Cup 2026 unfolded on Monday as Paraguay eliminated Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout, sending the four-time world champions home and booking a place in the Round of 16.

After a hard-fought 1-1 draw through regulation and extra time, Paraguay prevailed 4-3 on penalties, delivering the first major upset of the knockout stage and one of the country's greatest World Cup victories.

For head coach Gustavo Alfaro, the result marks another milestone in the remarkable revival of Paraguayan football. After missing the last three FIFA World Cups, Paraguay has returned to the global stage with a disciplined, resilient squad capable of competing with football's traditional powers.

Paraguay struck first late in the opening half when Julio Enciso headed home in the 42nd minute, giving the South Americans a deserved lead after an organized and energetic performance.

Germany responded immediately after halftime as Kai Havertz equalized with a header in the 54th minute. From that point, Julian Nagelsmann's side controlled possession and created the better chances, but repeatedly found themselves frustrated by Paraguay's disciplined defending and the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

Germany thought they had found the winning goal during extra time, only for the effort to be ruled out following a VAR review for a foul on Gill before the header crossed the line.

Orlando Gill delivers a career-defining performance

The penalty shootout belonged to Orlando Gill.

The Paraguayan goalkeeper denied Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade, while Germany also missed another attempt, allowing defender José Canale to convert the decisive penalty and spark celebrations among thousands of Paraguayan supporters inside the stadium.

The defeat also ended one of Germany's most impressive World Cup records. It was the nation's first-ever loss in a FIFA World Cup penalty shootout, adding another historic chapter to Paraguay's memorable victory.

Gustavo Alfaro's transformation of Paraguay

Since taking over the national team, Gustavo Alfaro has rebuilt Paraguay around defensive organization, tactical discipline, and collective commitment.

Those qualities were on full display against one of international football's most accomplished teams. Paraguay never abandoned its game plan, absorbed prolonged periods of German pressure, and capitalized on its opportunity when the match reached penalties.

For many observers, the victory confirms that Paraguay has become one of the tournament's most dangerous underdogs.

Germany faces difficult questions

For Germany, the defeat represents another painful World Cup disappointment despite successfully advancing from the group stage for the first time since lifting the trophy in Brazil in 2014.

Although the Germans controlled much of the match, they were unable to convert their dominance into goals and ultimately paid the price in the shootout, where their long-standing reputation for penalty excellence finally came to an end.

Paraguay keeps dreaming

Paraguay now advances to the Round of 16, where it will face the winner of France vs. Sweden, with confidence at an all-time high.

Regardless of what comes next, the victory over Germany has already secured its place among the greatest achievements in Paraguayan football history—a night defined by resilience, tactical discipline, fearless determination, and the belief that no football giant is unbeatable on the world's biggest stage.