Paraguay Beat Germany on Penalties in Epic Shootout, Brazil Come Back to Beat Japan — World Cup Day 19

Two Round of 32 matches, and one that will never be forgotten. Paraguay held Germany 1-1 through 120 minutes, then won a dramatic penalty shootout 4-3 after six rounds to knock out the Group E winners. Brazil also came from behind to beat Japan 2-1. Here is what happened on June 29.

Germany 1-1 Paraguay (aet, 4-3 pens)

Paraguay pulled off the biggest upset of the 2026 World Cup, holding Germany 1-1 through extra time before winning the penalty shootout 4-3 after six dramatic rounds. It was a night of nerve, misses, and finally, ecstasy for the underdogs.

Paraguay led 1-0 at half-time — a composed first 45 minutes in which they frustrated Germany and took their chance when it came. Germany came out stronger after the break and equalised in the second half, but could not find a winner before the final whistle.

Extra time came and went without a deciding goal. Both teams had chances, both keepers made saves, and the tension built towards the shootout.

The shootout was a rollercoaster. Germany kicked first in every round. Kai Havertz missed the opening penalty, and Paraguay scored to go 1-0 up. Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala kept Germany in it, but Nick Woltemade missed in the fourth round. Antonio Sanabria also missed for Paraguay, keeping it 2-3. In the fifth round, Nadiem Amiri scored for Germany and Fabián Balbuena missed for Paraguay — 3-3, sudden death. In the sixth round, Jonathan Tah missed for Germany, and José Canale stepped up to score the winner, sparking wild Paraguayan celebrations.

Germany missed three of their six penalties — Havertz, Woltemade, and Tah — while Paraguay converted four of their six, with only Sanabria and Balbuena missing. Miguel Almirón was at the heart of everything for Paraguay over 120 minutes — creating chances, driving forward, and showing the composure that carried his team through. He is our best player of the day.

Germany exit the tournament in the Round of 32, a stunning early elimination for a team many had tipped to reach the semi-finals. For Paraguay, it is the greatest result in their World Cup history — a third-placed team from Group D knocking out the Group E winners on the biggest stage.

Brazil 2-1 Japan

Brazil booked their place in the Round of 16 with a comeback 2-1 win over Japan, turning around a 1-0 half-time deficit with a controlled second-half performance.

Japan took the lead before the break and looked organised at the back, frustrating Brazil’s attacking threats for long stretches. But Brazil’s quality eventually told after half-time. Two goals in the second half turned the match around and saw Brazil through.

The result keeps Brazil’s tournament alive — they advance to the Round of 16 as one of the favourites, though questions about their slow starts will follow them.

Looking Ahead

The Round of 32 continues on June 30 with three more matches. The knockout bracket is taking shape, with Brazil, Paraguay (on penalties), and Canada already through. France, Argentina, Spain, and Netherlands are among the group winners waiting in the Round of 16.