A VAR-disallowed goal has cost Germany their place at the 2026 World Cup, as they crashed out on penalties to Paraguay. In the 12th minute of extra time, defender Jonathan Tah rose highest at the back post to head what looked like a 2-1 winner, only for the video assistant referee to intervene over an incident seconds earlier at the corner. Former England captain Alan Shearer branded it ‘pathetic’, while Jurgen Klopp and Pat Nevin agree Germany were hard done by. For England, Germany’s shock exit blows open their side of the knockout draw.
What happened: Tah’s extra-time header chalked off
The goal was disallowed for a foul judged to have been committed at the corner, moments before Tah’s decisive header. The unmarked defender climbed at the back post and powered a header across Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill. The ball hit the net and the German bench celebrated, before VAR called the referee over to review the build-up.
After the review, the referee ruled out the goal for a contested contact in the box seconds earlier. The decision stunned the stadium: Germany, who thought they led 2-1, were back to 1-1 and forced into a penalty shootout — which they ultimately lost to Paraguay.
‘A joke’: Shearer, Klopp and the experts agree
Alan Shearer called the VAR intervention ‘pathetic’ and the decision ‘terrible’, arguing there was nothing in it to justify ruling out such a clean goal. The former striker did not hold back on BBC duty.
Jurgen Klopp, Pat Nevin and refereeing analyst Darren Cann reached the same verdict: Germany were hard done by. For them, the contact flagged before the corner did not warrant the disallowed goal, and the use of VAR on that passage reflects an over-strict reading of the laws.
What Germany’s exit means for England
Germany’s shock exit clears a major obstacle from the draw and could open up England’s path towards the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup. The Germans were among the most feared opponents on the side of the bracket where Tuchel’s side could progress.
For Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and company, the drama is also a warning: in a 48-team World Cup, a single VAR decision can turn a tie on its head. England must stay switched on until the final whistle and take nothing for granted.
FAQ
Why was Germany’s goal disallowed?
VAR flagged a foul committed seconds before Jonathan Tah’s header, in the corner build-up. The referee then ruled out the goal because of that contact.
What was the score when the decision was made?
Germany thought they led 2-1 in the 12th minute of extra time. The disallowed goal took the score back to 1-1, forcing a penalty shootout.
How were Germany knocked out?
With the goal ruled out and the score level at 1-1, Germany lost the penalty shootout to Paraguay and exited the 2026 World Cup.
What did the experts say about the VAR call?
Alan Shearer called it ‘pathetic’, while Jurgen Klopp, Pat Nevin and Darren Cann all agree Germany were clearly hard done by.
Does Germany’s exit help England?
Yes — Germany leaving removes a major rival from the bracket and could open up a more favourable route for England towards the 2026 World Cup semi-finals.
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