Image Credits: Imago Images
Florian Wirtz featured as Germany crashed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the round of 32 after losing 4-3 on penalties to Paraguay following a 1-1 draw after extra time in Boston.
The Liverpool midfielder played 110 minutes before being substituted as Germany’s hopes of a fifth World Cup title came to an end.
Paraguay took a surprise lead in the 42nd minute through former Brighton and Ipswich forward Julio Enciso, who headed home to stun the four-time world champions. Germany improved significantly after the break and equalised when Kai Havertz glanced home a cross from Wirtz.
Paraguay defended resolutely to force extra time, while Germany thought they had found a winner when Jonathan Tah headed into the net, only for the goal to be ruled out after Waldemar Anton was judged to have fouled goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
The match was decided by a dramatic penalty shootout. Arsenal striker Havertz and Newcastle United’s Nick Woltemade both saw their spot-kicks saved by Gill, although Paraguay also missed two chances to progress as Antonio Sanabria fired wide and Manuel Neuer denied Fabian Balbuena.
In sudden death, Tah blasted his penalty over the crossbar before Jose Canale calmly converted the decisive kick to seal a 4-3 shootout victory and spark wild celebrations among the Paraguay players. Paraguay will face either France or Sweden in the last 16 in Philadelphia on Saturday.
Florian Wirtz later took to social media to express his disappointment following Germany’s painful exit. Germany have now endured a disappointing run at the World Cup since lifting the trophy in 2014.
The four-time world champions, who also triumphed in 1954, 1974 and 1990, have now failed to make a deep run in each of the last three tournaments
Wirtz posted on his Instagram page: “This one hurts. The World Cup is over for us and it’s difficult to find the right words right now.
“We came here with big dreams, gave everything as a team, and still it wasn’t enough in the end. Thank you to all the fans for your support. Those who travelled with us and everyone watching from home.
“We felt it every step of the way. I’m proud to represent this country and this team. We’ll need some time to process this, but we’ll come back. Thank you.”