Germany Loses First World Cup Penalty Shootout
USA. Defeat 3-4 to Paraguay in World Cup 2026 round of 16 penalty shootout ends Germany unbeaten streak in tournament history.
Over four decades, since first shootout at World Cup 1982, Germany stood as standard of mental strength. They won all four shootouts against France (1982), Mexico (1986), England (1990), and Argentina (2006), before losing to Paraguay this way.
Orlando Gil (right) saves penalty kick from Kai Havertz in Paraguay win over Germany in World Cup 2026 round of 16 at Foxborough, near Boston, Massachusetts, USA on June 29. Photo: AP
Surprise defeat came from Germany losing own advantage. Kai Havertz missed first shot, saved by goalkeeper Orlando Gil. Nick Woltemade also failed to beat Gil. Manuel Neuer saved two consecutive shots to keep Germany alive after Paraguay missed chance to end match, but Jonathan Tah shot over bar in deciding round. Jose Canale then scored, sealing historic 4-3 win for South Americans.
Advertisement
Stay
Playback speed
1x NormalQuality
AutoBack322p240p144pAutoBack0.25x0.5x1x Normal1.5x2x
/
Germany missed three of six shots. Before Paraguay match, only one German player ever missed World Cup shootout penalty: Uli Stielike in 1982 semifinal against France. West Germany still won 5-4 then, as goalkeeper Harald Schumacher saved two.
In minutes at Boston, number of German players missing World Cup shootout penalties rose from one to four. 40-year legend ended.
Newspaper Welt called it "end of legend".
Magenta TV commentator Wolff Fuss said: "Once there was shootout nation."
Deciding Paraguay penalty kick
Germany scored 17 of 18 World Cup shootout penalties before Paraguay match. They held record of four consecutive shootout wins, tied with Croatia (twice 2018, twice 2022).
Havertz blamed self for defeat. "Shootouts not easy. Today I missed. Shows chances are 50-50," German striker said.
Joshua Kimmich took realistic view. "It is luck, bad luck, and quality," captain midfielder said. "Cannot blame those brave enough to take penalty."
Neuer defended teammates. 40-year-old goalkeeper saved two penalties to keep Germany alive, but could not change outcome. "If Paraguay missed two, we should have won," Neuer said.
Nick Woltemade disappointed after missing penalty in Germany loss to Paraguay in World Cup 2026 round of 16 at Foxborough, near Boston, Massachusetts, USA on June 29. Photo: AP
Paraguay won both World Cup shootouts they played. First was 5-3 win over Japan in 2010 round of 16. 12 penalties in Paraguay-Germany match tied World Cup record for shootout length, matching West Germany-France 1982 and Sweden-Romania 1994.
BBC commentator Ian Dennis said: "First time in World Cup history, Germany lost shootout and Paraguay caused massive shock."
Former Scotland player Pat Nevin described stadium atmosphere: "People cried right in front of us. Unbelievable. Must be greatest win in Paraguay football history."
Global media called this historic turning point.
Spanish newspaper Marca headline: "Germany no longer Germany," noting Paraguay eliminated opponent in area where Germans were once perfect.
British newspaper Guardian wrote first thought after match was Germany first shootout loss, though praised Paraguay disciplined play.
French newspaper L'Equipe called it biggest surprise of tournament, while Daily Mail called it "biggest World Cup shock."
Manuel Neuer disappointed as Paraguay players celebrate shootout win in World Cup 2026 round of 16 at Foxborough, near Boston, Massachusetts, USA on June 29. Photo: AP
In Germany, the media was even more gloomy. Welt commented that "the aura has disappeared", as the myth of German football's coolness and steely resolve on the penalty spot no longer exists. The newspaper believed that a reputation built over generations collapsed overnight in Boston.
Before the penalty shootout, Germany thought they had secured a ticket to the next round when Jonathan Tah headed the ball into Paraguay's net in the 102nd minute of extra time. However, VAR ruled a foul on goalkeeper Orlando Gil and disallowed the goal. Former US goalkeeper Brad Friedel called the decision "too harsh", arguing there was no reason for the Paraguayan goalkeeper to fall in that situation.
Havertz: 'Germany no longer belongs to the world's elite'
After being eliminated by Paraguay in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup, striker Kai Havertz admitted he played poorly and stated that Germany is no longer among the top teams. 55
Two VAR decisions that cost Germany against Paraguay
VAR caused controversy by disallowing a goal and failing to award a penalty to Germany in the second half of their loss to Paraguay in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. 47
Germany national team coach: 'I will never resign'
Despite the championship dream ending with a loss to Paraguay in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup, coach Julian Nagelsmann still wants to continue leading the German national team. 61
Germany lose to Paraguay on penalties in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup
Germany had a goal disallowed in extra time before falling 3-4 in the penalty shootout against Paraguay in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. 279
Lineker implies Germany national team is living in the past
Former English star Gary Lineker suggested that Germany is no longer as formidable as before and believes France will win easily if the two teams meet in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. 24
Internal strife in Uruguay ahead of decisive match against Spain
Players requested tactical changes, but coach Marcelo Bielsa insisted on continuing to pursue an attacking style when Uruguay face Spain in the final match of Group H at the 2026 World Cup. 32