Paraguay win 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw with Germany in the World Cup 2026 round of 32

The knockout encounter between Germany and Paraguay unfolded at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on 29 June 2026. Both sides entered the round of 32 knowing that a single mistake could end their World Cup campaign, and the atmosphere was electric as the stadium filled for a night that would decide who stayed alive.

How it unfolded

Paraguay struck first in the 42nd minute when Julio Enciso rose highest from a corner and headed the ball from the centre of the box into the bottom left corner. The Argentine-born forward’s effort was set up by a precise cross from Matías Galarza, giving Paraguay a deserved lead and putting Germany under early pressure.

Germany responded swiftly after the interval. In the 54th minute Florian Wirtz delivered a low, curling cross into the box, meeting Kai Havertz, who timed his run perfectly and headed the ball into the bottom right corner to level the score. The equaliser restored balance and shifted momentum back to the Germans, who began to dominate possession as the match progressed.

The first half-time whistle was followed by a booking in the 65th minute when Andrés Cubas of Paraguay was shown a yellow card for a bad foul. The caution did not deter the visitors, who continued to press, while Germany’s defence held firm.

Extra time brought further discipline issues. In the 106th minute, Kai Havertz received a yellow card for a bad foul, his second caution of the evening after having scored the equaliser. Nine minutes later, Jamal Musiala was booked for a bad foul in the 115th minute, adding to Germany’s growing list of cautions. Paraguay’s Matías Galarza, the architect of the opening goal, was also booked in the 117th minute for a bad foul, his first caution of the match.

With no further goals in the additional thirty minutes, the tie remained deadlocked at 1-1 and proceeded to a penalty shootout. Paraguay held their nerve and converted four spot-kicks, while Germany managed three, handing the South Americans a dramatic passage to the next round.

Standout performers

  • Julio Enciso (Paraguay) – Scored the opening goal in the 42nd minute, heading in from a corner.
  • Kai Havertz (Germany) – Equalised in the 54th minute with a well-timed header and later received a yellow card.
  • Florian Wirtz (Germany) – Provided the decisive cross that set up Havertz’s goal.
  • Matías Galarza (Paraguay) – Delivered the corner that led to Enciso’s goal and was later booked in extra time.

These contributions defined the narrative of the match, with both goal-scorers influencing the scoreline and the assist providers shaping the key moments.

Match facts

  • Final score: Germany 1-1 Paraguay (Paraguay win 4-3 on penalties)
  • Goals:
    • 42’ Julio Enciso (Paraguay) – assisted by Matías Galarza
    • 54’ Kai Havertz (Germany) – assisted by Florian Wirtz
  • Bookings:
    • Andrés Cubas (Paraguay) – 65’
    • Kai Havertz (Germany) – 106’ (extra time)
    • Jamal Musiala (Germany) – 115’ (extra time)
    • Matías Galarza (Paraguay) – 117’ (extra time)
  • Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

What it means

Paraguay’s successful penalty shootout sees them progress to the next knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026, while Germany’s campaign ends at the round of 32, concluding their tournament run.