In the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup, Paraguay beat Germany in the penalty shootout. The South American team managed to take the game forward from the penalty spot. The Guaraní team is invincible from eleven steps.

At minute 42 of the game, Julio Enciso put the South Americans ahead. This goal complicated the German team more than necessary. However, 9 minutes into the second half, Kai Havertz tied the score.

This equality was maintained until the end of regulation time. In extra time Germany had some clear goal situations, but parity was maintained until the end. The game was decided on penalties.

Jonathan Tah, Nick Woltamade and Kai Havertz failed for the German team. Paraguay also missed Antonio Sanabria and Fabián Balbuena, but goals from José Canales, Matías Galarza, Gustavo Gómez and Maurício gave the Guaraníes a 3-4 victory.

Paraguay and penalties in the World Cup

The Paraguayan team already faced a penalty shootout and, curiously, it was in their last World Cup. In the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the Guaraní team faced Japan in the round of 16.

Paraguay and Japan tied 0-0 after regulation time and extra time. In that penalty shootout, the South American team converted all their shots: Edgar Barreto, Lucas Barrios, Cristian Riveros, Nelson Haedo Valdez and Óscar “Tacuara” Cardozo. Aquella tanda de penales finalizó 5-3.

In the quarterfinals, Paraguay lost against Spain. In this match, Justo Villar and Iker Casillas blocked penalties. However, David Villa scored the winning goal in the 84th minute. Spain won 1-0.