Paraguay defeated Germany on penalties Monday to advance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage [1].

The victory marks a historic upset for the Paraguayan national team, as they eliminated one of the most successful programs in football history. This result disrupts the tournament bracket and removes a primary contender from the competition early in the knockout phase.

The match took place June 29, 2026 [2], in Boston, U.S. [3]. After regular time ended in a 1-1 draw [4], the contest moved to a penalty shootout to determine which team would proceed.

Paraguay secured the win by defeating Germany 4-3 in the shootout [5]. The result was an unexpected turn for the four-time champions, who struggled to break the deadlock against a disciplined Paraguayan defense.

While some reports identified the match as part of the round of 16, other sources indicated the game occurred during the round of 32 [6, 7]. Regardless of the specific stage, the outcome ensures Paraguay's progression while ending Germany's hopes for the title this year.

The victory in Boston provides Paraguay with a significant momentum boost as they move deeper into the tournament. The team now prepares for their next opponent in the knockout bracket, carrying the confidence of having overcome a global powerhouse.

Paraguay beat Germany on penalties to advance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage

This result represents a major shift in the 2026 World Cup landscape, highlighting the increasing competitiveness of South American teams against traditional European powers. By eliminating Germany, Paraguay has not only achieved a historic sporting milestone but has also opened a path for other underdogs in the bracket to advance further than expected.