Last Updated on June 30, 2026
Germany’s World Cup misery continues after a penalty defeat to Paraguay, while Brazil scrape past Japan with a stoppage-time winner. Off the pitch, Robert Lewandowski joins MLS side Chicago Fire and Sam Kerr lands at Gotham FC.
Germany Crash Out as Paraguay Win Last-32 Shootout
Germany are out of the World Cup for a third tournament running after losing on penalties to Paraguay in the last 32 in the United States. The match in Boston finished 1-1 after extra time, with Paraguay’s José Canale converting the decisive spot kick once Jonathan Tah’s miss proved fatal. Germany missed three of their penalties.
Paraguay struck first late in the first half. Manuel Neuer punched clear at a corner, but Matias Galarza recovered the ball and crossed for Julio Enciso to head home — the country’s first-ever goal in the World Cup knockout phase. Kai Havertz, the Arsenal striker, levelled in the second half, glancing in a sharp Florian Wirtz cross. In extra time, Tah powered home a header that was ruled out by VAR for a foul by substitute Waldemar Anton. You can follow the live scores and remaining World Cup fixtures as the knockout rounds unfold.
It is the first time Germany have lost a World Cup match on penalties. The 2014 champions exited in the group stage in both 2018 and 2022, and this defeat to a side that had been knocked out by neither Turkey nor Australia earlier in the tournament has intensified pressure on coach Julian Nagelsmann. His contract runs until Euro 2028.
The German press were scathing. Bild branded it a ‘football nightmare’, describing the team as ‘slow, boring, listless’, while Die Welt called for Jürgen Klopp to take over. Havertz, who missed the first penalty, said: ‘My second World Cup and both times I’ve blown it. If you get knocked out by Paraguay, something is wrong with us.’ Paraguay now meet the winner of France against Sweden.
Brazil Survive Japan Scare With Late Martinelli Winner
Brazil kept their hopes of a sixth world title alive with a dramatic 2-1 win over Japan in the last 32 in Houston, with Gabriel Martinelli grabbing the winner deep in stoppage time. The five-time champions struggled for long spells against a well-organised Japanese side.
Kaishu Sano put Japan ahead in the first half, finishing precisely into the corner past Allison Becker after intercepting a loose pass in midfield. Carlo Ancelotti’s side laboured to break Japan down until Casemiro, the departing Manchester United midfielder, headed an equaliser in the second half. Moments later Vinicius Júnior, already with four goals at the tournament, hit the post via goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
Ancelotti introduced Endrick — now at Olympique Lyon after a limited spell at Real Madrid — to add a cutting edge. The breakthrough finally arrived in injury time when substitute Martinelli pounced on Brazil’s last chance to settle it. Brazil now face the winner of Ivory Coast against Norway in the last 16.
Lewandowski Joins MLS Side Chicago Fire
Robert Lewandowski has signed for MLS side Chicago Fire on a deal running to the 2027-28 season. The 37-year-old Poland record goalscorer joins as a designated player, with the move pending visa approval and an international transfer certificate.
Lewandowski arrives as a free agent after four seasons with Barcelona, where he scored 83 goals with 19 assists in 134 league matches and contributed to three La Liga titles. His career tally of 697 goals is the third-highest among current players. The club hailed him as ‘a global soccer icon’.
Briefly From the Rest
Australian international Sam Kerr has joined NWSL side Gotham FC on a four-year deal following her departure from Chelsea, a notable landing spot for the Matildas striker.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann insists he will not walk away after the Paraguay defeat, saying: ‘I am available. If the German football association wants me, I’ll do the Euros.’ Die Welt, however, ran a front page demanding ‘Time for a new coach’.
Striker Nick Woltemade, who made his tournament debut against Paraguay, was sent on cold just before the shootout and was one of three Germans to miss. ZDF analyst Fritzy Kromp called the decision baffling.
Former Chelsea and Spain captain César Azpilicueta features in conversation with Steve Crossman on the latest Football Daily, reflecting on his career.
Ofte stillede spørgsmål
How did Germany get knocked out of the World Cup?
Germany lost on penalties to Paraguay in the last 32. The match finished 1-1 after extra time, with Germany missing three of their spot kicks before José Canale scored Paraguay’s decisive penalty.
Who scored for Brazil against Japan?
Casemiro headed Brazil’s equaliser after Kaishu Sano gave Japan the lead, and substitute Gabriel Martinelli grabbed the winner deep in stoppage time for a 2-1 victory.
Which club has Robert Lewandowski signed for?
Lewandowski has joined MLS side Chicago Fire on a deal running through to the 2027-28 season, arriving as a free agent after leaving Barcelona.
Where has Sam Kerr moved to?
Australian international Sam Kerr has signed a four-year deal with NWSL side Gotham FC after departing Chelsea.
Who will Paraguay and Brazil play next?
Paraguay face the winner of France against Sweden, while Brazil meet the winner of Ivory Coast against Norway in the last 16.