One of the first matches of the 2026 World Cup playoff stage ended with an unexpected result. The Paraguay national team defeated Germany in a penalty shootout, eliminating them from the tournament.
In regular and extra time, the teams could not determine a winner — 1:1. The winner was decided in the penalty shootout.
For Germany, Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah failed to convert their chances.
The decisive saves by the Paraguayan goalkeeper secured the South Americans a spot in the next round.
Thus, Paraguay advanced to the Round of 16 of the World Cup. The team will now face the winner of the France — Sweden match in that stage.
