Germany's hopes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup are over after a dramatic penalty shootout exit, with defender Jonathan Tah blazing his spot-kick over the crossbar in sudden death — a miss that handed Paraguay the tie and sent the four-time world champions crashing out of the tournament.

With the shootout locked in sudden death, Tah stepped up for Germany but sent his effort high and wide, leaving Paraguay striker Jose Canale to slot home the decisive penalty and complete a stunning upset.

Four-time champions fall short

Germany's elimination is one of the most shocking results of the tournament. As one of the most decorated nations in World Cup history — with four titles to their name — their departure at this stage represents a heavy blow to European football.

Canale held his nerve to fire Paraguay into the next round, converting clinically after Tah's miss gave his side the opening they needed. The South American nation celebrated wildly as the final penalty hit the net, confirming a result that few had predicted heading into the match.

For Germany, the shootout collapse continues a frustrating run of tournament exits that have fallen short of expectations set by their storied history. Tah, one of the side's most experienced defenders, will be haunted by his decisive miss for some time to come.

Paraguay, meanwhile, advance on one of the proudest nights in their footballing history, toppling a giant of the global game in the process.