FWC Day 19: Paraguay Stun Germany on Penalties to Reach Round of 16 | Sada Elbalad

Paraguay eliminated Germany on penalties after a 1-1 draw to reach the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The match, played at Houston Stadium on Monday in the Round of 32, ended level after 120 minutes, with Paraguay winning the shootout 5-4. Julio Enciso scored for Paraguay in the 42nd minute, giving the South Americans the lead before halftime. Germany responded early in the second half when Kai Havertz equalized in the 54th minute, and neither side broke the tie through regulation or extra time. In the penalty shootout, Paraguay converted all five spot-kicks, while Germany missed a crucial attempt. Despite finishing atop Group E with wins over Curaçao and Ivory Coast, Germany exited after a loss to Ecuador in the group stage. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer set a record with his 23rd World Cup appearance, surpassing Lothar Matthäus and Miroslav Klose.