Germany out of World Cup after loss on penalties to Paraguay
Germany lost in dramatic fashion against Paraguay in Boston to exit the 2026 World Cup at the first knockout stage. In dramatic fashion, Germany lost
Germany lost in dramatic fashion against Paraguay in Boston to exit the 2026 World Cup at the first knockout stage. In dramatic fashion, Germany lost on penalties to Paraguay, exiting the World Cup in the first knockout round of the tournament. It marks their third straight disappointment at a World Cup, and is their first World Cup loss on penalties ever. Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade missed in the shootout, but Manuel Neuer kept the team in it.
In sudden death, Jonathan Tah blazed over and Jose Canale converted to send Germany home. Germany recover from slow start Germany struggled early and found themselves a goal down when Paraguay's first attack of the game ended in a goal. An unmarked Julio Enciso, just 168cm tall, headed home from near the penalty spot. It was a poor look for Germany's defense, but also an indictment on the harmlessness of Germany's attack up until that point. For the third straight game in this tournament, Germany needed something to spark them into life.
With Deniz Undav starting, the supersub had to be found elsewhere. Leon Goretzka was called upon, but it was the tactical change to cross the ball more that brought the equalizer. Back from the brink Kai Havertz's glancing header from Florian Wirtz's cross clawed Nagelsmann's team back from the brink. A brief spell of attacking pressure followed, but Germany couldn't make the most of their instant momentum. And so the game went into extra time. Jonathan Tah appeared to head Germany into the lead, but the goal was ruled out for a push by Waldemar Anton on the Paraguay goalkeeper.
After that, Germany huffed and puffed but couldn't find a winner. Then came penalties. Then came another dramatic World Cup departure for Germany. Paraguay will face either France or Sweden in the Round of 16 on July 4 in Philadelphia. Edited by: Wesley Dockery
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