Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup history last night, defeating Germany on penalties to secure a place in the Round of 16.
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After more than two hours of drama, tension and controversy, La Albirroja, ranked 41st in the FIFA World Rankings at the start of the tournament and sitting 31 places below Germany, achieved what many thought was impossible.
The defeat also marked Germany’s first World Cup exit via a penalty shootout after winning their previous four. It was only the second time they had lost a shootout at a major tournament, following their defeat in the Euro 1976 final.
While Paraguay is currently enjoying success on the football pitch, their rugby ambitions suffered a major setback when they were banned from the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, despite making significant progress in the sport.
During qualification for the 2027 tournament, Paraguay fielded a player who was later ruled ineligible under World Rugby regulations. As a consequence, the team was forced to withdraw from the competition, ending their hopes of reaching rugby’s biggest stage for the first time.
Paraguay had earned a place in the Final Qualification Tournament in Dubai, the closest they had ever come to World Cup qualification, after an impressive two-legged victory over Brazil.
After discovering the eligibility issue, Paraguay reported the matter to World Rugby themselves. However, they were still required to withdraw, with Brazil taking the South American qualification spot instead.
Despite lodging appeals, Paraguay were unable to overturn the ruling. The decision denied them what would have been their first Rugby World Cup appearance and highlighted the strict nature of player eligibility rules, where even minor administrative mistakes can have major consequences.
PARAGUAY KNOCK GERMANY OUT OF THE WORLD CUP
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— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 29, 2026
In their statement, World Rugby said, “World Rugby welcomes Paraguay’s voluntary admission of fault and accepts the explanation that an administration oversight led to the fielding of an ineligible player for both qualifiers against Brazil.”
Paraguay are not the only nation excluded from the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Russia and Belarus also remain barred from participation, following their earlier exclusion from the 2023 tournament.
In February 2022, Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, prompting widespread international condemnation. As part of broader sporting sanctions, World Rugby suspended both Russia and Belarus from all international and cross-border rugby competitions.
Although the Russian Rugby Federation appealed the decision, the suspension remained in force, ending any realistic chance of qualification for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. With the conflict still ongoing, both nations also remain excluded from the 2027 tournament.
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PICK YOUR WORLD XV:
Who makes your World XV? From powerhouse forwards to game-changing backs, rugby fans rarely agree on the perfect team. Now it’s your turn to have a say.
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Vote in the polls below to select the best player in every position and build your ultimate World XV. Once the voting is complete, we’ll reveal the fan-picked team.
Loosehead Prop
Ellis Genge – The powerful English loosehead prop captains Bristol Bears and is known for his aggressive ball-carrying and leadership for England.
Ox Nche – South African World Cup winner Ox Nche has become a cornerstone of the Sharks and Springbok scrum thanks to his exceptional set-piece strength.
Andrew Porter – Ireland and Leinster standout Andrew Porter combines relentless work rate with impressive mobility for a front-row forward.
Angus Bell – One of Australia’s brightest young talents, Angus Bell represents the Waratahs after returning from a sabbatical with Ulster and has quickly established himself as the Wallabies’ first-choice loosehead.
Hooker
Malcolm Marx – The South African hooker plays for Kubota Spears in Japan and is widely regarded as one of the world’s best breakdown forwards.
Dan Sheehan – Leinster and Ireland star Dan Sheehan brings pace, athleticism and try-scoring ability rarely seen from a hooker.
Codie Taylor – A veteran of New Zealand rugby, Codie Taylor continues to provide leadership and accuracy for the Crusaders and All Blacks.
Julien Marchand – France captain on occasion and a key figure for Toulouse, Marchand is renowned for his all-round excellence at hooker.
Tighthead Prop
Tadhg Furlong – The experienced Irish tighthead remains a crucial player for Leinster and Ireland, blending scrummaging power with remarkable handling skills.
Joe Heyes – Leicester Tigers prop Joe Heyes has steadily developed into a reliable option for England in the front row.
Thomas du Toit – South Africa’s Thomas du Toit currently plays for Bath, although is set to leave ahead of next season, and offers versatility across both sides of the scrum.
Wilco Louw – The Bulls and South Africa prop has rebuilt his international career through dominant performances in the set piece.
Second Row
Maro Itoje – England captain Maro Itoje, who plays for Saracens, is famous for his athleticism, lineout expertise and defensive disruption.
Eben Etzebeth – The towering South African lock represents the Sharks and holds the Springbok appearance record, reflecting his longevity and influence.
Will Skelton – Australian giant Will Skelton captains La Rochelle and uses his immense size to dominate collisions and set pieces.
Emmanuel Meafou – Born in New Zealand but representing France, the Toulouse lock is a physically imposing presence around the field.
Tadhg Beirne – Munster’s Tadhg Beirne is valued by Ireland for his versatility, breakdown work and ability to play both lock and flanker.
Ruan Nortje – Bulls captain Ruan Nortje has emerged as a dependable second-row option for South Africa through consistent performances.
