World Cup 2026: FIFA explains decision to disallow Germany’s extra-time goal against Paraguay

FIFA says coaches and players were told before the World Cup that referees would punish the type of foul that meant Germany’s extra-time goal against Paraguay was disallowed.

Jonathan Tah thought he had put Germany 2-1 up but referee Jalal Zayed disallowed the goal after video assistant referee (VAR) intervention as Waldemar Anton was adjudged to have fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gil.

The last-32 match ended 1-1 and Paraguay went on to win 4-3 on penalties Defender Tah fired his spot-kick over the bar, allowing Jose Kane to score the decisive kick.

After the loss – four-time winners Germany’s first loss in a World Cup penalty shootout – head coach Julian Nagelsmann said: “In my opinion, the foul was not a real foul; it was actually a joke that his goal was disallowed.”

But Pierluigi Collina, chairman of Fifa’s referees committee, said officials were asked to penalize players when they try to block opponents and make no attempt to play the ball, especially when goalkeepers are involved.