Germany Knocked Out of World Cup by Paraguay as Sam Kerr Signs for Gotham FC

Last Updated on June 30, 2026

Germany’s World Cup nightmare continues as Paraguay eliminate them on penalties in Boston, while Brazil survive a Japan scare with a last-gasp Gabriel Martinelli winner in Houston. Sam Kerr departs Chelsea for NWSL club Gotham FC, and Robert Lewandowski makes a surprise move to Chicago Fire.

Germany Crash Out: Three Missed Penalties End Nagelsmann’s World Cup

Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany side exit the 2026 World Cup in the round of 32, falling to Paraguay on penalties after a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes in Boston. It is Germany’s third successive early World Cup exit — they went out in the group stage in 2018 and 2022 — and, across twelve World Cup appearances in extra time, more than any other nation, the first time they have ever lost on a shootout.

Paraguay had already demonstrated their defensive resolve in the group stage, keeping both Australia and Turkey scoreless across two matches after losing 1-4 to the United States in their opener. Germany expect a similarly organised opposition and Paraguay deliver. Just before half-time, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer punches a corner clear, Matias Galarza recycles the ball back into the area, and Julio Enciso heads home — Paraguay’s first-ever knockout-stage goal across five World Cup appearances.

Kai Havertz equalises in the second half, glancing a Florian Wirtz cross into the net. Germany then have a Jonathan Tah goal disallowed in extra time — referee Jalal Jayed overturns it after VAR rules substitute Waldemar Anton impedes the Paraguay goalkeeper — and the match goes to a shootout.

The shootout is a disaster. Havertz fires his penalty wide, a miss the Arsenal striker calls ‘my second World Cup and both times I have messed it up — it seems like we are a second-rate team.’ Nick Woltemade, brought on from the bench moments before penalties begin, also fails to score, prompting ZDF analyst Fritzy Kromp to say the substitution is unfair on the young striker. Jonathan Tah’s miss then proves decisive. Paraguay miss twice themselves but José Canale converts the winning kick, sending Paraguay through to a last-16 meeting with the winner of France versus Sweden.

The German media react with undisguised fury. Bild leads with ‘Another German football nightmare!’ and calls the display ‘slow, dull, listless.’ Süddeutsche Zeitung labels it ‘the next disgrace,’ while Die Welt runs a photograph of Jürgen Klopp alongside the headline ‘Time for a new manager,’ writing: ‘This early exit is humiliating — not merely a sporting debacle, but the failure of a head coach who could not deliver on his promises.’ Nagelsmann, whose contract runs through Euro 2028, insists he is not stepping away: ‘I am available. If the German Football Association wants me, I will do the Euros. And if not, they need to let me know. I am not someone who walks away.’

Brazil Survive Japan Scare as Martinelli Strikes in Injury Time

Brazil advance to the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Japan in Houston, but the five-time world champions need a Gabriel Martinelli goal deep in injury time to avoid a shock elimination in the round of 32.

Japan take the lead through Kaishu Sano — the younger brother of NEC Nijmegen midfielder Kodai Sano — who intercepts a misplaced Brazilian pass on the halfway line, drives at goal and slots into the far corner past Alisson Becker. The goal typifies Japan’s disciplined, organised approach throughout the match. Vinicius Júnior, Brazil’s top scorer in the tournament with four goals, is kept largely quiet, and Japan — who held the Netherlands to a 2-2 draw in the group stage — carry a genuine threat going forward.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti introduces Endrick — on loan at Olympique Lyon after failing to break into the Real Madrid first team — to add more cutting edge in the second half. Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki makes a brilliant save from Bruno Guimarães before Casemiro, leaving Manchester United, heads home the equaliser. Two minutes later Vinicius turns Ajax defender Takehiro Tomiyasu inside out, but his shot rebounds off the post after another Suzuki intervention.

With the clock running down and extra time looming, substitute Martinelli converts Brazil’s last chance of the 90 minutes in deep injury time to send the five-time world champions through. Brazil face the winner of Ivory Coast versus Norway in the last 16. Japan enter the tie with genuine confidence after beating Brazil 3-2 last October — Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda scoring the winner from 2-0 down — but cannot replicate that result when it matters most.

Sam Kerr Signs Four-Year Deal With Gotham FC After Chelsea Exit

Australian international Sam Kerr signs a four-year deal with NWSL club Gotham FC following her departure from Chelsea, the club confirms on 29 June. The move brings one of the most recognised names in women’s football to the National Women’s Soccer League in the United States.

Kerr’s departure from Chelsea ends a significant chapter in English women’s football. The four-year contract length signals Gotham FC’s long-term commitment to building around the Australian striker. No financial terms are disclosed by the club.

Lewandowski Makes Surprise MLS Move to Chicago Fire on Deal Until 2028

Robert Lewandowski officially joins Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire on a contract running through the 2027-28 season, the club confirms on 29 June. The 37-year-old Polish striker arrives as a free agent after four seasons at Barcelona and takes on a designated player slot, pending visa approval and the completion of an international transfer certificate.

Lewandowski departs Camp Nou with a remarkable record: 83 goals and 19 assists across 134 La Liga matches, contributing to three Spanish league title wins during his time at the club. His 697 career goals rank third among all currently active players globally. Chicago Fire describe him as ‘a global soccer icon’ in announcing the signing, which ranks among the most high-profile arrivals in MLS history.

Short From the Rest

Former Chelsea captain and Spain international César Azpilicueta sits down with journalist Steve Crossman for a wide-ranging conversation about his career at the top of European football.

Ofte stillede spørgsmål