Four-time winners Germany have been knocked out of the 2026 World Cup, losing to Paraguay in a thrilling penalty shootout after it finished 1-1 after extra time.
Arsenal forward Kai Havertz and Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade both had their spot-kicks saved by goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
But Paraguay twice missed chances to go through as Antonio Sanabria shot wide and Fabian Balbuena’s effort was stopped by 40-year-old Manuel Neuer.
However, in sudden death, Jonathan Tah blazed over for Germany before defender Jose Canale scored the decisive kick to send Paraguay through 4-3 on penalties.
Earlier, Julio Enciso, who previously played in the Premier League with Brighton and Ipswich, had headed Paraguay into a shock lead in the 42nd minute.
But Germany produced a much improved performance in the second half and equalised when a glancing header from Havertz connected with a cross from Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz.
Paraguay defended superbly to take the tie to extra time, although Germany thought they had won it when Tah headed into the net, only for it to be ruled out as Waldemar Anton was adjudged to have fouled Gill.
Germany went first in the shootout, but were never ahead as Havertz missed his country’s first penalty, before Woltemade was also denied. Paraguay missed two chances to seal it, but took their third opportunity with the impressive Canale staying calm to score and spark incredible scenes of celebration.
Paraguay will play either two-time champions France or 1958 runners-up Sweden in the last 16 in Philadelphia on Saturday (22:00 BST).
