Germany lost a World Cup penalty shoot-out for the first time as they crashed out of the last 32 to underdogs Paraguay, according to Sky Sports. The match, held on June 29, 2026, at Boston Stadium, ended in a 1-1 draw before Paraguay triumphed 4-3 on penalties.
What happened
Germany struggled throughout the match, with Kai Havertz equalizing after Julio Enciso’s first-half opener. However, the team faltered during the penalty shoot-out, with Havertz and Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade failing to convert their spot-kicks. Orlando Gill, the Paraguayan goalkeeper, saved both attempts before Jonathan Tah blazed over, allowing Jose Canale to score the decisive penalty.
Germany’s last victory in a World Cup knockout match occurred in 2014 when they won their fourth title. The team’s performance showed a stark decline, particularly in the first half, where they dominated possession at 78 percent but failed to register a single shot on target.
Why it matters
This defeat marks a significant blow to Germany’s footballing prestige, raising questions about the team’s direction and strategy. It highlights a troubling trend of underperformance in crucial matches and reiterates the urgency for change within the German Football Association.
Background
Germany’s history in World Cups has been illustrious, yet they have not progressed past the last 16 since their 2014 victory. Recent tournaments, including disappointing outings in 2018 and 2022, have led to increased scrutiny of the team’s management and player selections.
What’s next
Following this exit, German manager Julian Nagelsmann’s position is in jeopardy, with discussions about his future expected to unfold in the upcoming weeks.
