Baghdad: Germany's national team exited the 2026 World Cup in the Round of 32 after losing to Paraguay 5-4 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation time. The match was played at Houston Stadium as part of the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. According to National Iraqi News Agency, Julio Inciso scored Paraguay's opening goal in the 42nd minute, giving his team the lead at halftime. At the start of the second half, Germany quickly equalized through Kai Havertz in the 54th minute. The score remained unchanged until the end of regulation time, and extra time failed to produce a winner. The match went to penalties, where Paraguay prevailed 4-3, securing their place in the Round of 16. Germany's elimination from the tournament in this first knockout round is considered one of the biggest surprises of the current edition. Germany had reached the Round of 32 after topping Group E, securing victories against Curaçao and Ivory Coast, before suf fering a defeat against Ecuador in the final group stage match. The match also witnessed a historic achievement for veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who made his 23rd appearance in the World Cup finals, becoming Germany's most-capped player in the tournament's history, surpassing the record previously held by Lothar Matthäus and Miroslav Klose, who each played 22 matches.