Paraguay eliminated Germany from the World Cup on Monday after winning a penalty shootout in Foxboro, Massachusetts [1], [2].
The result marks one of the tournament's biggest surprises, ending the run of a global powerhouse and extending Germany's struggle in the knockout stages.
The match at Foxboro Stadium ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time [1]. Paraguay secured the victory by winning the penalty shootout 4-3 [2]. The loss ensures Germany has not reached the World Cup round of 16 since 2014 [5].
While Paraguay celebrated a historic upset, Brazil narrowly avoided a similar fate in their own match. Brazil faced Japan in a contest that remained undecided until the final moments. Brazil secured their advancement with a last-minute goal [4].
The contrast between the two matches highlighted the volatility of the round of 32. Paraguay relied on superior penalty performance to advance [1], while Brazil used a late strike to prevent a shock upset [4].
Both teams now move forward in the competition, while Germany and Japan exit the tournament. The matches took place on June 29, 2026 [3].
“Paraguay won a penalty shootout 4-3 after a 1-1 draw to eliminate Germany.”
Germany's exit reinforces a decade-long decline in their World Cup performance, failing to reach the second knockout round for the first time in several cycles. Meanwhile, the narrow escape for Brazil suggests a vulnerability to disciplined underdogs, even as they remain among the favorites to win the tournament.
