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World Cup: Enciso on target as Paraguay stun Germany

Paraguay pulled off an historic upset over Germany to reach the Round of 32, edging the four-time champions on penalties after a gritty draw in Massachusetts.
E. DEVIN
Published on 06/29/2026 at 23:40
2-minute read
RC Strasbourg forward Julio Enciso struck in the first half as Paraguay upset Germany in the Round of 32

Paraguay pulled off an historic upset over Germany to reach the Round of 32, edging the four-time champions on penalties after a gritty draw in Massachusetts. Get the latest with the Ligue 1 McDonald's team.

Enciso with a decisive strike

On a warm and sunny afternoon in Foxborough, just outside of Boston, Paraguay were the underdogs against Germany, having recovered from an early loss to the United States to reach the Round of 32 as one of the third-place teams. RC Strasbourg's Julio Enciso was in the eleven for the Albirioja, along with former LOSC defender Junior Alonso and former Nîmes midfielder Andrés Cubas.  

Germany dominated possession in the first half -- they had an incredible 79% of the ball at the interval -- but were blunt throughout, and were made to pay for their lack of a cutting edge just before the break. Indeed, it would be Paraguay who would strike first, with an unmarked Enciso meeting Matías Galarza's cross from the right just beyond the penalty, and nodding home for his first goal of the tournament, having recorded an assist in each of his first two. 

Gill the shootout hero

In the second half, Paraguay started the brighter, and it would take some good work by Manuel Neuer coming off his line to keep Enciso from netting a double (50'). Having weathered this nervy moment, Germany would then level the match thanks to Kai Havertz, whose glancing header was well-placed. Germany would up the intensity in the second half as they looked for a winner, but were luckless and the match went to extra time.

Jonathan Tah thought he'd given his side the lead in the first half of extra time, but his effort was waved off for a foul on Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill. The match headed to penalties, and Gill was mightily impressive, saving from both Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade before José Canale held his nerve after a shocking miss by Tah to seal the result for the Albirioja. With the win, Paraguay will next play in the Round of 16 on Saturday, July 4 against the winner of France and Sweden in Philadelphia, giving them the opportunity to make further history in this tournament.

Read more:

>> World Cup: Deschamps urges France to "Show humility"

>> World Cup: Brazil leave it late to edge Japan for place in Round of 16

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