In a historic day for South American football, Paraguay achieved the unthinkable: they eliminated four-time world champions Germany in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. The match, played in a tension-filled stadium, ended 1-1 in regulation time and was decided from the penalty spot, where the Guaraníes showed unbreakable composure.
The team led by Gustavo Alfaro took the field with a perfect tactical plan. Paraguay contained the attacks of the European giant and struck first in the 42nd minute: a precise cross from Matías Galarza Fonda found the head of Julio Enciso, who with a glancing header beat Manuel Neuer and sparked pandemonium in the stands.
But Germany did not give up. In the second half, Julian Nagelsmann’s side pushed forward and found the equalizer in the 54th minute when Kai Havertz rose highest and powered a header to make it 1-1, restoring parity.
From then on, the match became a tense monologue. Germany controlled possession and pressed for a winner, but came up against a white-and-red wall that defended every ball as if it were the last. Paraguay held on with sheer grit against the likes of Wirtz and Sané, taking the tie to penalties.
From the spot, efficiency and composure were on the South American side. Paraguay executed with precision, stood tall in the shootout, and ended up celebrating a historic victory on U.S. soil. Alfaro’s «miracle» came true: the humble Guaraní side eliminated the four-time world champions and now sit among the 16 best teams on the planet.
Paraguayan fans, who packed the stands, could not believe what they were seeing. Tears of emotion and shouts of joy mixed in an atmosphere of total euphoria. Meanwhile, the Germans, with faces of disbelief, left the field, leaving behind a dream that vanished in the penalty shootout.
With this result, Paraguay becomes the sensation of the tournament. They now await their opponent in the Round of 16, where they will look to continue making history. South American football once again proves that no giant is invincible, and that the Guaraní fighting spirit can bring down any wall.
Watch the 2026 World Cup in the best quality
These are the most sought-after TVs to watch the national team. All with 12 interest-free installments:
- Smart TV Kanji 32″ LED HD – From $120,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-89J3)
- Smart TV LG 43″ 4K UHD WebOS – From $450,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-WXW9)
- Smart TV Samsung 50″ 4K UHD – From $600,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-VVE0)
Approximate prices. 12 interest-free installments subject to each seller. Look for the codes on Mercado Libre.
Para mí esto es un cachetazo al imperialismo europeo. Alemania llorando, Paraguay festejando. Fútbol de barrio, de sangre, no de robots. ¡Viva Latinoamérica carajo! Esto huele a justicia divina.
Para mí esto es un baño de realidad a los alemanes soberbios. Alemania se va llorando como los fracasados que son, mientras Paraguay demuestra que la garra y el coraje le pasan el trapo a cualquier técnica europea. ¡A llorar a la Bundesliga, teutones!