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Germany stunned by early World Cup exit, loses to Paraguay on penalties
🇰🇷 South Korea /Sports

Germany stunned by early World Cup exit, loses to Paraguay on penalties

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Germany, a four-time World Cup champion, suffered a shocking early exit from the 2026 North American World Cup after losing to Paraguay in a penalty shootout.
  • Ranked 10th globally, Germany's defeat to 41st-ranked Paraguay is considered the tournament's biggest upset, marking their third consecutive early World Cup elimination.
  • Despite topping their group, Germany fell in the first knockout round, with Paraguay scoring first and Germany equalizing before ultimately losing in the shootout.

Germany's quest for World Cup redemption has ended in a stunning early exit, with the four-time champions crashing out in the Round of 16 after a penalty shootout loss to Paraguay. The defeat marks a significant blow to the 'Team Germany,' which had aimed to rebound after disappointing performances in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

Germany, a four-time World Cup champion, suffered a shocking early exit from the 2026 North American World Cup after losing to Paraguay in a penalty shootout.

— Dong-A IlboSummary of the match outcome

Ranked 10th in the FIFA standings, Germany's loss to the 41st-ranked Paraguay is being labeled the tournament's biggest upset. The match, held at Boston Stadium, saw Paraguay take the lead in the first half with a header from Julio Enciso. Germany managed to equalize in the second half through Kai Havertz, but their efforts to break down Paraguay's defense proved futile.

Germany's loss to 41st-ranked Paraguay is considered the tournament's biggest upset.

— Dong-A IlboDescribing the significance of the result

The game remained tied 1-1 after 120 minutes of play, forcing a penalty shootout. Paraguay ultimately prevailed 4-3, sending the heavily favored German squad home. This early elimination continues a troubling trend for German football, following their group stage exits in the previous two World Cups.

Germany is in shock again after an early exit from the World Cup.

— Dong-A IlboDescribing the national reaction to the loss
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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