World Cup 2026: Paraguay knock out Germany in dramatic penalty shootout

The World Cup has claimed another giant. Germany, one of the pre-tournament favorites, were eliminated by Paraguay in a penalty shootout that will be remembered for its drama, its heartbreak, and the lingering shadow of VAR controversy. Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah — three players expected to carry the weight of a nation's expectations — all failed from twelve yards. It is a devastating collective failure for the Mannschaft, a team still haunted by group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022. This time, the wound cuts even deeper, with the tournament being played partly on home soil in North America, where a massive German diaspora had packed the stands. Paraguay, meanwhile, showed exactly why they should never be underestimated. The Albirroja played with steel and discipline, absorbing German pressure and striking with ruthless efficiency when it mattered most. Their goalkeeper was the hero of the shootout, standing tall to deny chance after chance. VAR played a significant and controversial role during regulation time, with several decisions swinging momentum and reigniting the eternal debate about technology's place in football's most high-stakes moments. For those tracking World Cup predictions and bracket projections, Germany's exit blows the tournament wide open. Paraguay now emerge as the dark horse nobody wants to face in the next round, while several contenders will see a clearer path to the latter stages. The 2026 World Cup continues to deliver the unpredictable.