History made in Foxborough
Paraguay claimed the biggest scalp of the 2026 World Cup on Monday night, defeating four-time champion Germany 4-3 on penalties in the round of 32 at Boston Stadium. Jose Canale converted the decisive kick in sudden death after Orlando Gill saved efforts from Kai Havertz and another German taker. It was Germany's first knockout match since winning the 2014 final, and their first-ever loss in a World Cup penalty shootout.
VAR controversy swings the match
The match ended 1-1 after 120 minutes, but not without drama. Germany's Jonathan Tah thought he had won it in the 102nd minute, heading in a corner kick from Nathaniel Brown. But a VAR review determined that Waldemar Anton had pushed Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill before the shot, and the goal was disallowed. Julio Enciso had given Paraguay the lead late in the first half with a header, before Havertz equalized in the 52nd minute.
Cinderella run continues
Paraguay had failed to score in five previous knockout games and had only advanced once — against Japan on penalties in 2010. Now they face the winner of France vs. Sweden in the round of 16 in Philadelphia. President Santiago Pena declared a national holiday to celebrate the historic victory, as the country revels in its deepest World Cup run in 16 years.