VAR drama as Jonathan Tah's header for Germany against Paraguay ruled out in extra time of 2026 FIFA World Cup last-32 tie - 'Conned the referee'

React to this story

Jonathan Tah thought he had won the tie for Germany in extra time of the last-32 tie with Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup when he headed in from Nathaniel Brown's corner to give his side the lead. However, the goal was controversially ruled out following a VAR check, with Waldemar Anton deemed to have fouled goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

This view shows a big screen with Germany's goal, later disallowed after a VAR decision during the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match between Germany and Paraguay at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough on June 29, 2026.

Image credit: Getty Images

Referee Jalal Jayed was instructed by Video Assistant Referee Tatiana Guzman to consult his pitchside monitor.

The match official then announced: "After review, when the ball was in play the Germany No. 3 prevents the goalkeeper from challenging for the ball. Final decision is a foul."

It proved to be a big moment, as Germany were beaten in a penalty shoot-out - their first loss on penalties at a World Cup - as Paraguay advanced to the last 16.

World Cup

Messi half-time speech revealed as Martinez hits out at ‘cowards’

Yesterday at 09:05

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann was subsequently booked, and former England and Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer also strongly disagreed with the decision. Speaking on BBC Sport's coverage of the match, he said: "I do think this is a terrible decision.

"You have to understand it's a contact sport. The goalkeeper has conned the referee and the VAR there. Yes, he touched him, but the way he went down was pathetic. In my view, the goal should've stood and it should no way have been overturned."

Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann told the BBC: "This is soft in my opinion, but judging by what we've seen in the tournament so far, it hasn't surprised me that it's been disallowed. We've seen goals at this tournament disallowed for very small offences, but for me there's not enough in it. There is a small block on the goalkeeper."

Germany, who were making their first appearance in a knockout match at the World Cup in 12 years, trailed at half-time to a Julio Enciso penalty after a lackadaisical first-half performance.

A clever Kai Havertz header levelled the scores nine minutes after the restart, but the sides could not be separated at the break.

Bayern Munich defender Tah thought he had won the game for his country in the 102nd minute but it was not to be.

Tah's pain was compounded as he missed from the spot as Germany ultimately lost the match 4-3 on penalties.

It was the first time Germany had lost in a shoot-out at the World Cup finals as Havertz and Nick Woltemade also failed to find the target from the spot.

The South Americans will now play France or Norway in the round of 16 on Saturday, July 4.

- - -

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

Stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max

World Cup