Germany 1–1 Paraguay (Paraguay win 4–3 on pens) — Round of 32, Match 74
Paraguay beat Germany 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in Match 74 of the World Cup 2026 Round of 32 at Boston Stadium, Foxborough on June 29, 2026. Paraguay advanced to the Round of 16; Germany were eliminated.
World Cup 2026 · Round of 32 · Match 74
Match context
Match 74 was expected to be one of the straighter passages for a major European side — Germany had topped Group E with 6 points and a +6 goal difference and were ranked among the pre-tournament favourites. Paraguay, a best third-place qualifier from Group D, were not expected to extend them to a penalty shoot-out, let alone win one.
Yet that is exactly what happened. This result joins Morocco's win over the Netherlands as the two defining upsets of the Round of 32, and it completely reshapes the bracket heading into the Round of 16. Paraguay's path continues on the bracket visualiser.
Germany coming in
Germany entered the match as one of the tournament's most consistent group-stage performers. They topped Group E with 6 points and a +6 goal difference — a record that placed them among the top-five group winners in the entire competition. Their combination of technical quality and tactical discipline had made them one of the most structured sides in the draw.
Paraguay coming in
Paraguay finished third in Group D with 4 points — a solid return that earned them a place among the eight best third-place qualifiers. They were compact in defence and dangerous on the break, and their squad had an experienced penalty-taking culture that had not been tested in this tournament until extra time arrived in Boston.
Match recap
Germany and Paraguay played out a tense 1-1 draw across 90 minutes, with neither side able to find a decisive second goal. Germany took the lead and appeared in control before Paraguay's equaliser forced extra time, and then the drama of the penalty shoot-out.
In the shoot-out, Paraguay's composure was remarkable. They converted four of their four kicks while Germany — a nation with deep experience of World Cup penalty drama — missed a crucial spot-kick that handed Paraguay the tie. The final score on penalties: Paraguay 4, Germany 3.
Germany exit the tournament at the Round of 32, a result that will prompt significant reflection on a squad that looked built to go further. Paraguay advance with a confidence and momentum that makes them a dangerous prospect in the Round of 16.
What it meant
Paraguay advanced to the Round of 16, where they lost 0–1 to France in Match 89 in Philadelphia on July 4. See the Paraguay team page for their knockout route, or the bracket.