Paraguay’s path in the FIFA World Cup 2026: from a reaction in the group stage to a historic victory over Germany

• Paraguay qualified for the Round of 32 after finishing third in their group.

• Orlando Gill was the standout performer in the match against Germany.

• La Albirroja will face France in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

La Albirroja left behind a difficult opening match, found its best form in Group D, and pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the FIFA World Cup 2026 by eliminating Germany on penalties. Now, Gustavo Alfaro’s team will look to continue making history against France in the Round of 16.

Paraguay has once again established itself among the world’s top national teams. After a difficult start in the group stage, Gustavo Alfaro’s side reacted in time, secured qualification, and delivered one of the tournament’s most striking upsets by knocking out the four-time world champions.

With personality, discipline, and an unforgettable performance from Orlando Gill, La Albirroja once again showed the competitive DNA that has historically defined it.

La Albirroja has participated in World Cups since the inaugural edition in 1930 and has appeared in eight tournaments. Its best performance came in South Africa 2010, when it reached the quarter-finals and exited the competition after a narrow 1–0 defeat to Spain, who would go on to become champions.

Qualification to the Round of 32

Paraguay finished in third place thanks to a better goal difference and secured a place among the tournament’s top 32 teams.

Spain’s victory confirmed La Albirroja’s passage to the next round as one of the best third-placed teams.

Gustavo Alfaro’s team finished with 4 points and a goal difference of -2, scoring two goals and conceding four, all of which came in their opening match against the host nation.

The big hit: beating Germany

In the Round of 32 came the match that changed Paraguay’s tournament.

Against one of the biggest powers in world football, Paraguay played with confidence from the first minute and struck first through Julio Enciso. Germany responded and equalized through Kai Havertz, taking the match into extra time.

After 120 minutes of high intensity, the tie was decided from the penalty spot.

Orlando Gill, the hero of qualification

When the shootout arrived, the night’s main figure emerged.

Goalkeeper Orlando Gill became Paraguay’s hero by saving penalties from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade, allowing La Albirroja to win 4–3 in the shootout.

His performance sparked celebrations across the squad and became one of the most memorable images of the Round of 32.

Gill not only kept Paraguay in the match with decisive interventions, but ultimately became the man who wrote a new chapter in the nation’s World Cup history.

A victory that moved all of Paraguay

The qualification had a huge impact in a country that had not played a World Cup in 16 years.

Round of 32

Germany 1–1 Paraguay

Paraguay won 4–3 on penalties.

Goals:

• Julio Enciso (Paraguay)

• Kai Havertz (Germany)

Next challenge: France

The victory over Germany opened a new challenge for La Albirroja.

Paraguay will now look for a place among the world’s top eight when they face France in the Round of 16.

Round of 16

Paraguay vs. France

July 4

Philadelphia Stadium

Paraguay’s World Cup stats

Matches played: 4

Wins: 1

Draws: 2 (one decided by penalties)

Losses: 1

Goals scored: 3

Goals conceded: 5

Top scorers

Julio Enciso: 1 goal

Maurício: 1 goal

Matías Galarza: 1 goal

A comeback that inspires hope

After 16 years of absence from a World Cup, Paraguay returned to compete among the world’s best national teams.

Qualification from a highly competitive group and the historic elimination of Germany represent two of the most important moments in Paraguayan football in recent years. The team’s reaction after a difficult opener, Gustavo Alfaro’s leadership, and the emergence of players like Julio Enciso and Orlando Gill explain the current state of a team that has rediscovered its competitive identity.

Now, La Albirroja faces a new challenge against France, with hopes of continuing to write an unforgettable story at the FIFA World Cup 2026.