FIFA World Cup 2026: VAR controversy ends Germany's campaign as Paraguay advance to RO16

A controversial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision proved to be the turning point as Paraguay eliminated four-time champions Germany from the FIFA World Cup 2026 in a dramatic penalty shootout. The Round of 32 encounter at Gillette Stadium concluded 1-1 after 120 minutes, with Paraguay ultimately prevailing 4-3 on penalties.

Germany thought they had secured a late winner in the 101st minute when Jonathan Tah powerfully headed home from a corner. However, the celebrations were cut short as referee Jalal Jayed of Morocco was prompted to review the incident on the pitch-side monitor following a VAR intervention. The goal was ultimately disallowed, with the referee deeming that German defender Waldemar Anton had impeded Paraguay's goalkeeper Orlando Gill's movement, constituting a foul in the build-up.

This pivotal decision forced the match into a penalty shootout, where Paraguay demonstrated greater composure. Germany missed three of their spot-kicks, allowing Paraguay to seal a famous victory and advance to the Round of 16. This defeat marks Germany's earliest ever exit from a FIFA World Cup, while Paraguay achieved one of the tournament's biggest upsets.

The result also ranks among the most significant knockout stage upsets in modern World Cup history. Germany, ranked 10th in the FIFA World Rankings entering the tournament, faced Paraguay, who were ranked 41st, a difference of 31 places. This rankings disparity is notable, though not the largest in World Cup knockout history.