Germany's remarkable run of 50 years without a penalty shootout defeat in major tournaments has come to an end. In the 2026 World Cup, they lost to Paraguay 4-3 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time. This defeat marks the first time Germany has missed three penalties in a shootout since their last loss in 1976.
Germany had previously converted 22 consecutive penalties in tournament shootouts, showcasing their dominance in this aspect of the game. However, in this latest match, key players missed their chances, allowing Paraguay to secure a historic victory and end Germany's long-standing streak of success in penalty shootouts.