Manila: Paraguay delivered a 4-3 shocking upset to Germany in a penalty shootout to advance to the Round of 16 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Boston Stadium in the US. Germany dominated possession and controlled much of the first half, but it was Paraguay who struck first. In the 42nd minute, Manuel Neuer punched away a corner, only for Paraguay to recycle the ball. Matias Galarza delivered an inviting cross that Julio Enciso met with a powerful header, giving Paraguay a surprise lead.
According to Philippines News Agency, left completely unmarked inside the penalty area, Enciso made no mistake with his finish. The goal was Paraguay's first-ever in the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup, ending a run of five knockout matches without scoring. Paraguay spent much of the opening half defending deep in a compact low block as Germany poured forward in search of a breakthrough. Their disciplined approach paid off, however, as they frustrated the Germans before taking a one-goal advantage into the break.
Germany found their equalizer in the 54th minute, scored by Kai Havertz. Florian Wirtz whipped an excellent cross into the box, and Havertz rose above the defense to guide a precise header inside the far post beyond Orlando Gill. Neither side could find a winner in normal time, sending the match into extra time, the first knockout fixture at this edition of the tournament to require an additional 30 minutes. Despite Germany's overwhelming control of possession, Paraguay's disciplined defensive display largely neutralized their attack and kept the contest level.
As Paraguay continued mounting a stalwart defense, the Germans thought they had taken the lead with a leaping Jonathan Tah header toward the end of the first overtime half, but the goal was chalked off for a foul on the Paraguay goalkeeper. In the second overtime half, it was Paraguay that went on the offensive. Making good use of the little possessions they had. Even though they kept up the pressure on the German defense, no one could break the deadlock, sending the match into a penalty shootout.
The shootout turned out to be the most exciting part of the match. As Paraguay's Gill saved the first German shot, the pressure mounted. It reached dramatic heights as Nick Woltemade missed another, giving Paraguay hope. Just as it was getting desperate for Germany, Neuer brought them back from the brink with a save. But Tah sent the ball too high. For the first time ever at a World Cup, Germany lost a penalty shootout. Paraguayan fans celebrated one of the biggest shocks in recent memory. As Germany leaves the tournament, Paraguay will face either France or Sweden in the Round of 16.
Paraguay's president declared Tuesday a national holiday after the country's stunning victory over Germany. 'We celebrate the victory of a national team that represents the very deepest part of our identity: the grit, the faith, and the strength of a people who never give up,' President Santiago Pena wrote on US social media platform X. "Today, an entire country celebrates," Pena added alongside a photo of himself signing the decree, thanking the national team 'for giving us this immense joy and for bringing millions of Paraguayans together once again under a single flag." The decree said Paraguay's victory transcended sport and warranted nationwide celebrations.
Meanwhile, Morocco also advanced to the World Cup last 16 after beating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in a dramatic round-of-32 match. Cody Gakpo put the Netherlands ahead in the 72nd minute, finishing after Crysencio Summerville was left on the turf in the area. The Liverpool forward dropped to his knees in tears after scoring and gazed up at the sky. Morocco refused to fade, with Issa Diop equalizing in stoppage time to force extra time. Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen then produced a remarkable close-range save to deny Soufiane Rahimi and keep the Netherlands alive.
The ensuing shootout turned chaotic, with five of the 10 penalties missed and only one saved. Teun Koopmeiners and Wout Weghorst scored for the Netherlands, while Rahimi, Chemsdine Talbi, and Ismael Saibari converted for Morocco. Justin Kluivert and Achraf Hakimi struck the post, Quentin Timber fired wide, and Summerville's effort was saved by Yassine Bounou. Saibari then scored the decisive kick to send Morocco through and deepen the Netherlands' poor World Cup shootout record, with the Dutch having won only one of five at the tournament. Morocco will next face Canada in Houston on July 4.
