MANILA — Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, eliminating four-time champion Germany, 4-3, in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw following extra time on Monday night (Tuesday in the Philippines) at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, to book a place in the Round of 16.
Defender José Canale calmly converted the winning penalty in sudden death, while goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as Paraguay’s hero after making two crucial saves in the shootout to complete the stunning victory over the European powerhouse.
Paraguay seized the early momentum late in the first half when Julio Enciso headed home for a 1-0 lead before Germany responded through Kai Havertz early in the second half to force extra time.
Germany thought it had completed the comeback in the 102nd minute after Jonathan Tah headed in a corner kick, but the goal was ruled out following a video review after officials determined defender Waldemar Anton had fouled Gill before the finish.
The victory avenged Paraguay’s heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Germany in the Round of 16 of the 2002 FIFA World Cup and extended the South Americans’ reputation for thriving in penalty shootouts after also eliminating Japan on spot kicks during the 2010 tournament.
In another knockout thriller, Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Brazil rallied from behind to edge Japan, 2-1, and secure its own Round of 16 berth at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
The Arsenal winger, who came on in the 66th minute, struck in the sixth minute of added time after a well-timed through ball from Bruno Guimarães to complete Brazil’s comeback.
Japan had shocked the five-time world champions in the 29th minute when midfielder Kaishu Sano intercepted a loose pass near midfield, surged forward, and drilled a low shot from outside the penalty area past goalkeeper Alisson Becker for a 1-0 lead.
Brazil responded strongly after halftime, with veteran midfielder Casemiro making amends for a difficult opening half by powering home a header from Gabriel’s cross in the 56th minute to level the match before Martinelli’s late heroics sealed the victory.
Morocco also advanced to the Round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands, 3-2, in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time. The Moroccans will next face co-host Canada./PN
