Paraguay Upsets Four-Time World Champion Germany to Reach World Cup Round of 16

Paraguay celebrated a historic victory over Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout on June 29, 2026, securing their place in the World Cup round of 16. The South American team won 4-3 on penalties after a tense match, eliminating the four-time world champions. The decisive penalty was scored by José Canale, sparking euphoric celebrations across Paraguay.

The match saw Paraguay’s goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerge as a national hero by saving multiple penalties, including shots from Kai Havertz and Niklas Vollmuth. Despite misses from Antonio Sanabria and Fabian Balbuena, Canale’s winning kick sealed the upset. Paraguay’s captain Gustavo Gómez expressed immense pride in his team, dedicating the victory to the nation and emphasizing their determination and fighting spirit.

The win prompted Paraguayan President Santiago Peña to declare a national holiday to commemorate the team’s "epic victory" and historic advancement. Fans flooded social media with videos of jubilant celebrations, including scenes of police officers in Asunción watching the match and erupting in joy at the final whistle. A 16-year-old fan told BBC that the victory was deeply meaningful, highlighting how Paraguay had been underestimated and is now recognized worldwide.

Former player and BBC commentator Pat Nevin described the result as one of Paraguay’s greatest football achievements, praising the emotional impact on the nation. Head coach Gustavo Alfaro expressed hope that all Paraguayans would share in the celebration, crediting the team’s relentless heart and resilience. Gill also showed respect for Germany’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, acknowledging the high level of competition in the shootout.

This victory marks Paraguay’s first World Cup participation since 2010 and represents a significant milestone for the country’s football history, inspiring national pride and international recognition.