Kai Havertz, others miss penalties as Paraguay knock Germany out of World Cup

Four-time world champions Germany have been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

Paraguay sealed their place in the round of 16 after defender Jose Canale converted the decisive spot-kick in sudden death, ending Germany’s campaign in one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz and Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade both failed to convert their penalties, with goalkeeper Orlando Gill making crucial saves to put Paraguay in control.

Paraguay also squandered opportunities to secure victory earlier in the shootout, as Antonio Sanabria fired wide before veteran German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer denied Fabian Balbuena.

However, Germany failed to capitalise on the reprieve. Defender Jonathan Tah blasted his penalty over the crossbar in sudden death, allowing Canale to calmly score the winning kick and spark jubilant celebrations among the Paraguayan players and supporters.

Paraguay had taken the lead shortly before half-time through Julio Enciso, the former Brighton and Ipswich Town forward, who headed home in the 42nd minute.

Germany responded strongly after the break and restored parity when Havertz glanced home a header from Florian Wirtz’s cross.

The match remained finely balanced throughout extra time, with Germany believing they had found a late winner through Tah, only for the goal to be ruled out after Waldemar Anton was adjudged to have fouled goalkeeper Gill.

With no further goals, the contest was decided by penalties, where Paraguay held their nerve to secure a famous victory.

Paraguay will now face the winners of the round-of-32 clash between France and Sweden in the World Cup round of 16 in Philadelphia.

Credit: BBC