Unfortunate World Cup: Four-time champion Germany exits after losing to Paraguay

De Manshaft had to return home despite 75 percent possession, 21 shots — another dark chapter in history

 

Sports Desk

June 30, 2026.

 

The football world witnessed perhaps the biggest upset of the tournament in the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Four-time world champions Germany were eliminated in the second round after losing to Paraguay in a penalty shootout. After the match ended 1-1 in regular and extra time, the fate was decided in Paraguay’s favor in the penalty shootout.

Match Story: From Domination to Disaster

Germany’s dominance on the field was striking. 75 percent possession, 21 shots (7 on target), 16 corners—a completely one-sided match in terms of numbers. In contrast, Paraguay had only 25 percent of the ball, taking a total of 7 shots.

But football is not played by statistics – this is proof once again.

 

First Half: Paraguay took the lead in the 42nd minute. The underdogs took advantage of a mistake by the German defense and scored a great goal to create a surprise. The first half ended with a lot of misery for Germany before the break, 0-1.

 

Second half: Germany, who made one change at half-time, equalized in the 54th minute. Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala kept up the pressure with a dazzling combination. But Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gil made an incredible save, stopping five shots in total.

 

Extra time: The match went into extra time with no change in the score after 90 minutes. Tensions reached their peak in the 105th minute, with several players from both teams receiving yellow cards. After 120 minutes, the score remained goalless, and the game went to penalties—where Paraguay snatched the victory.

Match statistics at a glance

Category	Germany	Paraguay
Ball possession	75%	25%
Total shots	21	7
Shot on target	7	4
Corner	16	6
Foul	18	12
Yellow card	2	2

Those who were on the field

Manuel Neuer (goalkeeper), Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rudiger, Jonathan Tah, Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Leroy Sane, Felix Nmecha and Aleksandar Pavlovich have played for Germany.

Miguel Almiron, Julio Enciso and Gustavo Gomez have shone for Paraguay.

History repeats itself

Germany also exited the group stage in the 2018 World Cup. After that, it was an early exit again – with a quarter-final in 2022. But this exit for Germany, who won the World Cup in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014, will leave a lasting impression on football fans.

Paraguay last played in the quarterfinals of the World Cup in 2010. 16 years later, they are back on that stage—this time defeating the four-time champions.