Paraguay, Germany's executioner: the shock of the round of 32
In the round of 32, Paraguay pulled off one of the 2026 World Cup's great feats: they knocked out Germany on penalties (1-1, 4-3) and sent one of the big favourites home just as the tournament began to bite.
The 2026 World Cup had its first big upset in the round of 32, and Paraguay authored it. La Albirroja stood up to Germany, held the 1-1 through the whole match and extra time, and grew in the penalty lottery to win 4-3 and reach the last 16.
The exit was a hammer blow for Germany, one of the sides tipped as contenders, who left the tournament earlier than expected, unable to break down the Paraguayan wall. For Paraguay, by contrast, it confirmed a brave team, well organised at the back and cool from twelve yards, classic virtues of South American football on the big stage.
The reward was a last-16 tie against France, where La Albirroja bowed out with their heads high after a 0-1 defeat. But the memory of their World Cup will forever be tied to that night when they knocked Germany out on penalties.
Upsets like this are what give meaning to a 48-team tournament: less expected names capable of toppling giants when football is played in single ties. Check the full knockout bracket and the World Cup's penalty shootouts on our site.