Germany enter the knockout match after finishing top of Group E, scoring freely despite ending the group stage with a defeat to Ecuador. Paraguay progressed as one of the best third-placed teams after a resilient group-stage campaign.
Match Details
Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup – Round of 32
Date: Monday, June 29, 2026
Kick-off: 9:30 p.m. (Nigeria time)
Venue: Boston Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Match Preview
Germany entered the knockout stage with confidence after winning Group E.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side opened their campaign with a 7-1 demolition of Curaçao before edging Ivory Coast 1-0 to seal qualification. Their perfect start ended with a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador, but the result had little consequence as top spot had already been secured.
Despite that setback, Germany remain one of the favourites to progress thanks to their attacking quality. Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz have been central to their impressive performances, while Leroy Sané has also looked dangerous in the final third.
Paraguay’s route to the knockout stage has been much tougher. Gustavo Alfaro’s side lost heavily to the United States in their opening game but responded with a crucial victory over Turkey before battling Australia to a goalless draw. Those four points proved enough to send La Albirroja through as one of the best third-placed teams.
Although Paraguay are underdogs, they possess enough defensive discipline and counter-attacking threat to trouble Germany if given space.
Team News
Germany will continue without defender Nico Schlotterbeck, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. However, left-back Nathaniel Brown is expected to return after recovering from a muscular problem.
Nagelsmann is likely to restore his strongest attacking lineup following the defeat to Ecuador.
Paraguay welcome back captain Miguel Almirón after suspension, but midfielder Diego Gómez is unavailable due to suspension. Defender Omar Alderete faces a late fitness test after a knee problem.
Possible Lineups
Germany (4-2-3-1):
Neuer; Kimmich, Rüdiger, Tah, Brown; Pavlović, Nmecha; Sané, Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz.
Paraguay (4-4-2):
Gill; Cáceres, Alderete, Velázquez, Alonso; Almirón, Galarza, Cubas, Mauricio; Enciso, Ávalos.
Key Battle
The contest between Germany’s creative midfield duo of Musiala and Wirtz against Paraguay’s compact defensive setup could decide the outcome. If Paraguay can frustrate Germany early and exploit spaces on the counter through Almirón and Julio Enciso, they may have a chance of causing an upset.
However, Germany’s superior depth, experience and attacking firepower make them clear favourites.
Players to Watch
Germany: Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz, Leroy Sané.
Paraguay: Miguel Almirón, Julio Enciso, Andrés Cubas, Gabriel Ávalos.
Prediction
Paraguay are expected to defend deep and make life difficult for Germany, but Nagelsmann’s side should have enough quality to break them down over 90 minutes.
Prediction : Germany 2-0 Paraguay.
