Germany, four-time winners of the World Cup, were sent crashing out of the 2026 tournament in the round of 32 after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay. The game ended 1-1 after extra time, but it was Jonathan Tah who became the villain, blazing his spot-kick over the bar in sudden death, before Paraguay’s Jose Canale stepped up to score the winning penalty and seal a 4-3 victory.
Paraguay had taken the lead in the first half through former Brighton midfielder Julio Enciso. Arsenal forward Kai Havertz levelled for Germany after the break, but despite dominating possession and registering 21 shots on goal, Julian Nagelsmann’s side could not find a winner in normal or extra time. The South Americans, who had scraped into the knockout stage as the seventh-best third-placed team, held firm and took the game to penalties.
“Germany are knocked out of the World Cup on penalties as Jonathan Tah blazes over and Jose Canale scores the winner.”
Though Paraguay missed two opportunities to win the shootout earlier, they kept their nerve when it mattered. The defeat means Germany, who topped Group E as strong favourites, are out of the tournament. Meanwhile, riot police were reportedly needed over death threats related to the match, though further details were not available.
Earlier on Monday, Brazil also secured their place in the round of 16 with a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Japan. Kaishu Sano had put Japan ahead after half an hour, but Casemiro equalised before Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli scored in the 95th minute to make it 2-1. Canada had already advanced after a 1-0 win over South Africa, with Stephen Eustaquio scoring the only goal.
Germany’s exit leaves a huge gap in the tournament, as one of the pre-tournament favourites is sent home early.