Who is Orlando Gill? Meet Paraguay goalkeeper who saved La Albirroja's World Cup chances

Germany might have itself to blame for its World Cup exit, but the difference on Monday was Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

Gill kept Paraguay in the game for 120 minutes, allowing only one goal with the caveat that a would-be go-ahead goal from Germany was taken off the board by VAR in extra time.

When it came time for a penalty shootout, Gill wasn't perfect — but he made the saves needed to send Paraguay to the Round of 16 in a tremendous upset.

Here's more to know about Gill, who is now a hero among Paraguayans after his performance against Germany.

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Who is Orlando Gill?

The 26-year-old Gill was born and raised in Paraguay and currently plays club soccer in Argentina. He made his international debut for the Paraguayan national team less than a year ago, first appearing in a World Cup qualifier for Paraguay in September of 2025 and earning his way onto the final World Cup roster.

That decision proved to be a great one for Paraguay. While Gill's World Cup debut against the United States was one to forget with four goals allowed, he survived an onslaught against Turkey and denied all six shots on target as Turkey out-shot Paraguay by 27. Facing Australia, Gill turned away five more shots on goal.

Germany unsurprisingly had the shot advantage in Monday's contest, but the difference was Gill. After five saves during the course of 120 minutes, Gill saved two of Germany's first four penalty shots in a 4-3 shootout win at the end of a 1-1 contest.

Germany's third miss, which sailed high and wide of the net off the foot of Jonathan Tah, proved to be the final break Paraguay needed to survive and advance.

MORE: What Germany's upset loss means

Orlando Gill World Cup history

Gill made his World Cup debut against the United States less than three weeks ago. Not only did the 26-year-old just join the Paraguayan national team in 2025, but Paraguay hadn't been to the World Cup at all since 2010, when Gill was only 10 years old.

Who does Orlando Gill play club soccer for?

Gill plays for San Lorenzo de Almagro in the Primera Division, Argentina's top league. He previously played for CS San Lorenzo before joining his current club on loan in 2023 and on a full-time basis in 2024, amassing 50 appearances. 

When Gill arrives back to San Lorenzo de Almagro, he will have quite a story to tell. It's possible that story isn't finished yet, as Paraguay will take aim at either Sweden or heavily favored France in the Round of 16.