The Paraguay National Team starred in one of the biggest surprises of the World Cup 2026 by eliminating Germany in the round of 32, after winning 4-3 in the penalty shootout after drawing 1-1 in regulation time and overtime, in an intense match played in Boston.
The match was a true football battle. Paraguay showed order, character and tactical discipline against a German team that started as favorites. However, La Albirroja resisted the moments of greatest pressure, competed as equals and took advantage of their opportunities to take the match to the finish from twelve steps.
After the historic victory, captain Gustavo Alfaro highlighted the strength of the group and the team’s fighting spirit. “With the whole situation, with everything that was said, I rescue the group’s unity. This group has incredible strength to face any situation; today was a match in which we had to be Paraguay more than ever. Germany knew they had to sweat blood to beat us”he assured still on the playing field.
The defender also made reference to previous predictions, in which many gave the team led by Julian Nagelsmann as the clear favorite and underestimated the Guaraní possibilities.
“We were going to sell the defeat very, very dearly. We dedicate this victory to all the Paraguayan people.” During the match, Paraguay showed a solid version, closing spaces and opting for intensity in each divided ball. Germany, for its part, had greater possession, but lacked clarity in the final meters against a well-established rival. The 1-1 draw reflected the parity of a duel that remained open until the last moment.
In extra time, the physical wear and tear was evident, but Paraguay maintained defensive order and took the game to penalties, where the performance of the goalkeeper and the effectiveness of the performers were decisive in sealing the classification.
With this result, Paraguay advanced to the round of 16, where it will face the winner of the duel between France and Sweden on July 4, in Philadelphia, to compete today in another highly demanding challenge for the South American team.