Germany’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign came to a stunning end in the Round of 32, as a controversial VAR decision disallowed an extra-time goal before Paraguay prevailed in a dramatic penalty shootout. According to BBC Sport, FIFA has since explained why Jonathan Tah’s potential winner was ruled out.

The pivotal moment came during extra time with the score locked at 1-1. Defender Jonathan Tah thought he had fired Germany into the lead, only for referee Jalal Jayed to overturn the goal following a VAR review. The officials ruled that Germany’s Waldemar Anton had fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill in the build-up.

The disallowed goal sparks controversy

The decision left Germany furious, with head coach Julian Nagelsmann openly criticising the call.

“In my opinion, this foul was not a real foul; it was actually a joke that his goal was disallowed,” Nagelsmann said after the match, as quoted by BBC Sport.

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The controversial decision proved decisive, denying Germany what appeared to be the winning goal and sending the tie to penalties.

FIFA explains the VAR intervention

According to BBC Sport, FIFA referees committee chairman Pierluigi Collina defended the officials’ decision, explaining that referees had been instructed to penalise attackers who deliberately block goalkeepers from defending their goal.

“Although keeping a position is not a foul per se, when an attacking player is not interested in the ball and deliberately moves, even marginally, with the clear intention of obstructing opponents’ movement and prevents him from defending, then referees, and VAR when needed, should carefully analyse the incident and intervene,” Collina said.

He added: “This is especially the case when the tactic aims to prevent the opposing goalkeeper from being able to defend the goal.”

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Collina also stressed that teams had been informed of the interpretation before the tournament.

“Coaches and players were informed, so it should come as no surprise that referees will punish these fouls.”

Penalty heartbreak for Germany

With the match still level after 120 minutes, the contest went to a penalty shootout. In a cruel twist, Tah—whose extra-time goal had been disallowed—blazed his penalty over the crossbar before Jose Canale converted the decisive spot-kick to seal Paraguay’s 4-3 victory.

According to BBC Sport, it was the first time Germany had ever lost a World Cup penalty shootout, ending another disappointing campaign for the four-time world champions.

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Paraguay will now face two-time champions France in the Round of 16, with the tie scheduled to take place in Philadelphia.

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