Germany eliminated: Paraguay stun the four-time champions on penalties in the World Cup shock of the tournament

Germany are out. Paraguay eliminated the four-time world champions in a penalty shootout at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, winning 4-3 on spot kicks after a match that finished 1-1 through 120 minutes. It is one of the most shocking results in World Cup history, and it ends Germany's tournament in the Round of 32 at their first World Cup since the humiliation of 2018. For all the latest, follow the football news.

The match unfolded with a brutal early twist. Julio Enciso put Paraguay ahead in the 40th minute with a header that gave Manuel Neuer no chance, and the South Americans took a deserved lead into half-time. Germany had dominated possession without penetrating a compact, disciplined block, and Paraguay were rewarded for their organisation with a goal that genuinely reflected the first-half balance.

Kai Havertz equalised nine minutes into the second half, powering a header past Paraguay's goalkeeper from a Florian Wirtz cross. Germany looked momentarily in control, but Paraguay refused to surrender their shape, and as the clock wound down the Germans found themselves unable to create the clear chances their possession demanded. The match went to extra time level at 1-1.

Extra time produced the defining moment of controversy. In the 105th minute, a Germany header crossed the line but VAR ruled it out for interference with the goalkeeper. Replays suggested the decision was marginal at best, and the disallowed goal will be debated long after this tournament is over. Without it, Germany could not find the breakthrough, and the match moved to penalties.

The shootout was clinical from Paraguay and catastrophic for Germany. Paraguay converted four of their kicks. Germany missed one and it was enough. The final 4-3 scoreline in the shootout ended the dream and confirmed the shock. Paraguay, a nation that has never advanced past the quarter-finals in their entire World Cup history, have eliminated the four-time champions of the world.

For Germany, the reckoning will be severe. They came into this tournament as one of the favourites to win it, bolstered by a strong domestic season and the energy of playing in North America with enormous support. Leaving in the Round of 32, beaten on penalties by Paraguay, is a failure that will define the national team conversation for years. The questions about the squad, the tactics and the leadership will start immediately.

For Paraguay, it is the greatest moment in their footballing history. They now advance to face the winner of France against Sweden in the Round of 16. Whether they can go further almost does not matter tonight. In Foxborough, they did what nobody believed they could do. For all the updates as the Round of 16 takes shape, follow the football news.