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Germany Falls to Paraguay on Penalties, Historic Upset

6/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Germany (ranked 12th) lost to Paraguay (ranked 33rd) on penalties after Enciso’s spot-kick gave Paraguay a 1-0 lead.
Havertz equalised nine minutes later, while Tah’s extra-time header was ruled out after VAR.
The shootout ended 4-3 after Gill saved Havertz’s spot-kick and Canale scored the winning penalty, marking Germany’s first World Cup shootout loss after 15 straight successes and the fourth-biggest knockout upset by FIFA ranking since 1992.

History

Historical Context

At the 1990 World Cup in Italy, Cameroon stunned defending champions Argentina 1-0, becoming the first African nation to top a group and reach the quarter-finals. Their triumph, highlighted by François Omam-Biyik’s header, led FIFA to add an extra CAF slot for the next tournament. The event unfolded among 116 entered teams.

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Story summary

Germany (ranked 12th) lost to Paraguay (ranked 33rd) on penalties after Enciso’s spot-kick gave Paraguay a 1-0 lead.
Havertz equalised nine minutes later, while Tah’s extra-time header was ruled out after VAR.
The shootout ended 4-3 after Gill saved Havertz’s spot-kick and Canale scored the winning penalty, marking Germany’s first World Cup shootout loss after 15 straight successes and the fourth-biggest knockout upset by FIFA ranking since 1992.

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