Germany's World Cup hopes rest on penalties after Paraguay stand firm

Germany's relentless pressure failed to produce a winner as their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash against Paraguay ended 1-1 after extra time, sending the contest to a dramatic penalty shootout.

Paraguay struck first in the 42nd minute through Julio Enciso, who finished clinically to hand the South Americans a surprise lead before halftime.

Germany responded with renewed urgency after the break and restored parity in the 54th minute when Kai Havertz found the net, setting up a tense battle for a place in the last 16.

The four-time world champions dominated possession and created the better chances for the remainder of the match, but Paraguay's disciplined defence and resolute goalkeeping kept them at bay.

Germany believed they had found the decisive goal in extra time when Jonathan Tah headed home, only for the effort to be ruled out following a VAR review for a foul inside the penalty area.

Despite wave after wave of German attacks, Paraguay held firm to force the match into penalties, where the final Round of 16 berth will be decided.