Paraguay stunned the tournament by eliminating four‑time champions Germany in a Round of 32 penalty shootout. The match finished 1‑1 after regular time, with Julio Enciso’s early header beating Manuel Neuer before Kai Havertz equalised in the 54th minute. Germany dominated possession, holding 79% in the first half, yet could not translate it into a clear chance.

Germany pressed hard in extra‑time, but VAR overturned Jonathan Tah’s near‑goal after spotting a foul on Neuer, and a second Havertz header was denied by a fingertip save from Orlando Gill. Paraguay’s goalkeeper made a stop on Anton’s point‑blank corner in the 119th minute, keeping the tie level for penalties. Gill’s reflexes earned him praise, as he also denied a late corner, preserving Paraguay’s composure.

In the shootout, Germany missed three of five spot‑kicks; Havertz and Nick Woltemade failed to convert, and Tah blasted his attempt over the bar. Paraguay’s Antonio Sanabria also missed, but José Canale scored the decisive sudden‑death penalty after Fabián Balbuena was saved by Neuer. The result marks the first elimination of a pre‑tournament favourite at this stage. Paraguay advances to face the France‑Sweden winner in Philadelphia.