29 June 2026, USA, Foxborough: Soccer, Men: World Cup, Germany vs. Paraguay, Knockout Stage, Round of 32, Boston Stadium, Nathaniel Brown (Germany), Jamal Musiala (Germany), Malick Thiaw (Germany), Waldemar Anton (Germany) (Germany) and Jonathan Tah (Germany) react with disappointment after the match. Germany loses in a penalty shootout. PLEASE NOTE: In accordance with FIFA regulations, these images may be used exclusively for editorial purposes. Commercial use is prohibited. Furthermore, no video-like sequences may be created, and no alterations may be made to the image, either in the foreground or the background. Photo: Tom Weller/dpa (MaxPPP TagID: dpaphotosnine662316.jpg) [Photo via MaxPPP]
In a stunning upset on Monday evening at Foxborough, Germany crashed out of the 2026 World Cup in the round of 16, losing 4‑3 on penalties to Paraguay after a 1‑1 draw. Unable to break the deadlock in 120 minutes, Die Mannschaft faces yet another early exit, while the South Americans advance to an unexpected quarterfinal clash — potentially against France if Les Bleus win later tonight.
Germany’s struggles continue
This defeat marks another chapter in Germany’s post‑2014 decline. Julian Nagelsmann’s side never found their rhythm against a Paraguay team that had not appeared on the world stage since 2010. Trailing 1‑0 at halftime after a goal from Julio Enciso, the Germans equalised early in the second half but wasted several chances to take the lead. The match went to extra time and eventually to penalties, where Paraguay held their nerve.
Germany has now failed to reach the quarterfinals of a World Cup since winning the title in 2014 — a stark contrast to their previous run of nine consecutive quarterfinal appearances. For Paraguay, this is a breakthrough. After scraping through as one of the best third‑placed teams in the group stage, La Albirroja reaches the round of 16 for the first time in 16 years. They now await the winner of the France match later today, a rematch of the 1998 World Cup clash.
