Paraguay eliminate Germany to join list of historic World Cup upsets
Paraguay’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over Germany in the 2026 World Cup round of 32 has secured their place among the tournament’s greatest ever giant-killings.
The South American nation sparked wild celebrations, culminating in a national holiday, after sending the four-time winners crashing out in Boston.
Julio Enciso’s crucial goal and Jose Canale’s winning penalty ensured an unforgettable triumph for Gustavo Alfaro’s side.
It marks the latest shock in a tournament already defined by surprises, following Cape Verde’s draw with Spain and Ecuador’s late group-stage victory against the Germans.
From disaster to dreamland
Ecuador’s journey epitomises the volatile, emotional nature of tournament football.
Head coach Sebastian Beccacece celebrated passionately in the stands after guiding his squad to the knockout phases, a stark contrast to the fan anger his family faced following an earlier draw with Curaçao.
Paraguay will now look to replicate their own giant-killing heroics when they face France in the round of 16.
The mentality behind a shock result
Producing a monumental upset requires a specific mindset, according to veterans of historic tournament shocks.
Former defender Gunnar Halle was part of the Norway squad that stunned a heavily favoured Brazil team featuring Ronaldo in 1998.
“I think you have to think you can do something,” Halle told ESPN.
“We had shown that against other big teams that we could do it, and I think the way we played suited the matchup against Brazil.”
Frustrating the heavyweights
Striking early is often the catalyst for the underdog, as the Republic of Ireland demonstrated against Italy in 1994.
Former midfielder Andy Townsend recalls how Ray Houghton’s early goal immediately piled pressure on an Italian squad boasting Roberto Baggio and Paolo Maldini.
“When you score first in matches like that it’s big, it really does make a huge difference,” said Townsend.
The former Irish international noted that neutralising world-class opposition, such as Paul McGrath’s inspired defensive performance against Baggio, creates a ripple effect of frustration across the favoured team.