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Paraguay end Germany's perfect World Cup penalty record in Foxborough

Orlando Gill saves two spot-kicks and Jose Canale converts the winner as Paraguay eliminate Germany 4-3 from the spot after a 1-1 draw, in one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history

Sports· active What Broke ·10 takes · ·rbtfl upd Jul 1, 2026
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The split

The same story, as told by newsrooms in different countries. Their words, attributed and linked.

Qatar

Al Jazeera

“Paraguay shock Germany in shootout win for one of all-time World Cup upsets.”

non-Western; framed as South American underdog story and historic penalty milestoneread the original ↗

Argentina

La Nacion

“Con Brasil y Paraguay clasificados, Sudamérica celebra una noche histórica en el Mundial 2026.”

South American football press; celebratory coverage of Paraguay's advanceread the original ↗

United States

CBS Sports

“Paraguay pull off one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history, eliminating Germany on penalties.”

US sports media; focused on Orlando Gill's goalkeeper performance and penalty dramaread the original ↗

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Summary

Germany, four-time world champions and unbeaten in all five previous World Cup penalty shootouts, were eliminated at the round of 32 in Foxborough on June 29 after Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill saved from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade. Jonathan Tah then skied Germany's final kick. Julio Enciso had put Paraguay ahead with a 42nd-minute header; Havertz equalised (54'). A Tah goal in extra time was disallowed by VAR for a foul by Waldemar Anton on Gill in the build-up. Paraguay's Jose Canale converted the decisive penalty. Germany's squad, built around a supposed golden generation, exit at the first knockout round of the first 48-team World Cup.

Why it matters

Paraguay are a country of 7 million people who have never reached a World Cup semi-final and entered as heavy underdogs. Germany's elimination is their worst World Cup exit since 1938, ending a run of at least reaching the last eight in every tournament since 1954. The result reshapes the left side of the 2026 bracket and removes European football's most historically reliable knockout performer from the competition.

What to watch

  • Whether Julian Nagelsmann retains the Germany head-coach role after the earliest exit in a generation.
  • Paraguay's round of 16 draw and whether their goalkeeper-led defensive approach can carry them further.
  • VAR controversy over the disallowed Tah goal may prompt fresh debate on video review protocols in knockout football.

The briefing, by email