Germany knocked out of World Cup by Paraguay
The German team was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the round of 32. Paraguay won on penalties, following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
Winston-Salem (dpa) – The German national football team has returned to its team quarters in the US state of North Carolina after being knocked out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The DFB team lost 4-3 on penalties to Paraguay in the round of 32, following a 1-1 draw at the end of extra time. It was Germany’s first ever World Cup penalty shootout defeat.
The opening goal for Paraguay was scored by Julio Enciso in the 42nd minute. Kai Havertz equalised the score with a header in the second half. Jonathan Tah scored what appeared to be the winning goal in extra time, however, the goal was disallowed at the recommendation of the VAR. Paraguay then went on to win the penalty shootout and reach the last 16.
Germany had completed the group stage as the winner of group E. A 7-1 victory against Curaçao was followed by a 2-1 win against Ivory Coast. The German team reached the first ever last-32 round of this first World Cup to feature 48 teams, despite the 2-1 defeat to Ecuador. Paraguay had qualified for the knockout stage as on of the best third place teams at the group stage.
Germany was therefore eliminated from the first World Cup in the new 48-team format sooner than expected. In the round of 16, Paraguay will be playing against the winner of the match between France and Sweden.
