German football is in shock. Paraguay have eliminated Germany from FIFA World Cup 2026 in one of the tournament’s most stunning upsets — defeating the four-time world champions 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Monday, June 29. The nation that won the World Cup in 2014 and entered this tournament among the top-eight favourites has been knocked out in the Round of 32. The dream of a fifth World Cup title is over for Germany. Paraguay — who had qualified as one of the eight best third-placed teams after finishing third in Group D — advance to face France in the Round of 16.
Germany 1, Paraguay 1 (Paraguay advances 3-2 on PKs)
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How Paraguay Eliminated Germany
Paraguay’s tactical approach to the Germany match was a masterclass in organised defensive football. They set up in a deep, compact defensive block that denied Germany’s most creative players — Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz — the space between the lines they need to function at their most creative and destructive level. Paraguay’s physical intensity in midfield disrupted Germany’s rhythm from the opening minutes, and whenever Germany built promising attacks, Paraguay’s defensive unit collapsed into position with speed and organisation.
The match ended 1-1 after 120 minutes of football in which both teams scored from moments of individual quality against the run of play. The penalty shootout — where Germany have historically been considered specialists — produced the cruelest possible outcome for Nagelsmann’s team. Paraguay converted four of their penalties. Germany missed to lose 3-4. The defending World Cup group stage winners are eliminated. The tournament goes on without them.
The Second Shock of the Night — Netherlands Also Eliminated
On the same extraordinary June 29 evening, Morocco eliminated Netherlands 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw — making it a night when two of European football’s most celebrated nations were knocked out of FIFA World Cup 2026 in the same Round of 32 session. The twin eliminations of Germany and Netherlands in one night is unprecedented in modern World Cup knockout history and has sent shockwaves through European football.
What Germany’s Elimination Means for the Tournament
With Germany gone and Netherlands gone, the European representation in the latter stages of FIFA World Cup 2026 is now reduced to France, England, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Switzerland, Norway and Croatia. The South American challenge — led by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Colombia, and potentially Uruguay — suddenly looks stronger. Africa has Morocco still very much alive. And the co-hosts — USA, Mexico, and Canada — all remain in the tournament.
Paraguay’s path continues against France in the Round of 16 on Saturday, July 5 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia (5 PM ET / 10 PM BST / 2:30 AM IST July 6). France — who beat Germany’s conquerors Paraguay would expect to respect — are the overwhelming favourites, but Paraguay have just proven that form means nothing when the penalties come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Germany out of the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Yes. Germany were eliminated from FIFA World Cup 2026 in the Round of 32 on June 29 when Paraguay defeated them 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal and extra time at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Who eliminated Germany from FIFA World Cup 2026?
Paraguay eliminated Germany in the Round of 32, winning 4-3 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 after extra time. It is one of the biggest upsets in the history of the World Cup knockout stage.
Did Germany win any penalty shootouts at FIFA World Cups before 2026?
Germany have historically been one of the most successful nations in World Cup penalty shootouts, winning multiple decisive shootouts on their way to World Cup titles. Their loss to Paraguay in 2026 is a rare and shocking reversal of that tradition.
Follow all Round of 32 results and the complete knockout bracket at theOpenHandbook’s FIFA World Cup 2026 hub.
