Germany begin their World Cup knockout journey with a tricky Round of 32 clash against Paraguay, as both nations battle for a place in the last 16.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side topped Group E despite suffering a surprise defeat to Ecuador in their final group match, while Paraguay squeezed into the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams. Although Germany enter as favorites, Gustavo Alfaro’s disciplined side has already shown they are capable of frustrating stronger opponents.
Match Details
| Competition | FIFA World Cup 2026 |
|---|---|
| Match | Germany vs Paraguay |
| Stage | Round of 32 |
| Venue | FIFA World Cup 2026 |
| Date | June 30, 2026 |
| Kickoff | TBA |
Germany Looking to Respond
Germany made an impressive start to the tournament by defeating Curaçao and Ivory Coast, scoring nine goals across those two victories to secure qualification with a game to spare.
However, their momentum slowed after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in the final group match. Despite controlling large spells of the game, Germany were punished defensively and will be eager to produce a stronger performance in the knockout rounds.
With stars such as Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz and Leroy Sané leading the attack, Germany still possess one of the tournament’s most dangerous offensive units.
Germany World Cup Form
🟢 W | 🟢 W | 🔴 L
Germany Form (All Competitions)
🟢 W | 🟢 W | 🟢 W | 🟢 W | 🟢 W | 🔴 L
📸 Image Suggestion 1
- Jamal Musiala celebrating during Germany’s group stage.
- Julian Nagelsmann giving instructions from the touchline.
Paraguay Ready to Frustrate Another Giant
Paraguay reached the Round of 32 after collecting four points in Group D, finishing just behind Australia on goal difference.
Gustavo Alfaro’s team relied on defensive organization throughout the group stage, earning a valuable draw against Australia after defeating Turkey earlier in the tournament.
The South Americans are unlikely to dominate possession but have enough quality on the counterattack through Julio Enciso and Miguel Almirón to trouble Germany’s defense.
Paraguay World Cup Form
🔴 L | 🟢 W | 🟡 D
Paraguay Form (All Competitions)
🟢 W | 🔴 L | 🟢 W | 🔴 L | 🟢 W | 🟡 D
Team News
Germany are expected to remain without defender Nico Schlotterbeck due to injury, while Nathaniel Brown could return after missing the Ecuador match.
Nagelsmann is unlikely to make major changes, with Havertz expected to lead the attack alongside Musiala and Wirtz.
Paraguay will miss suspended midfielder Diego Gómez, but Miguel Almirón returns after serving his suspension. Omar Alderete and Ramón Sosa will both be assessed before kickoff.
Predicted Lineups
Germany Predicted XI
Neuer; Kimmich, Rüdiger, Tah, Brown; Nmecha, Pavlović; Sané, Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz
Paraguay Predicted XI
Gill; Cáceres, Alderete, Velázquez, Alonso; Almirón, Galarza, Cubas, Mauricio; Ávalos, Enciso
Key Players to Watch
Jamal Musiala (Germany)
Musiala has been Germany’s most creative player throughout the tournament. His dribbling ability and movement between the lines could prove decisive against Paraguay’s compact defensive setup.
Julio Enciso (Paraguay)
Enciso remains Paraguay’s biggest attacking threat. If the South Americans are to spring an upset, his pace and creativity on the counterattack will be crucial.
Head-to-Head
Germany and Paraguay have produced several memorable encounters over the years.
The Germans defeated Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16 at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, while their most recent meeting ended in an entertaining 3-3 friendly draw in 2013.
Overall, Germany have enjoyed the stronger record, but Paraguay have often proven to be stubborn opponents.
Match Prediction
Germany should dominate possession and create the majority of the chances, but Paraguay’s disciplined defensive structure is likely to make life difficult for Nagelsmann’s side.
If Germany move the ball quickly and take their opportunities, they have enough attacking quality to avoid an upset. Paraguay will remain dangerous on the counterattack, but breaking down Germany over 90 minutes looks like a difficult task.
Predicted Score
Germany 2-1 Paraguay
Predicted Result
✅ Germany Win
Final Verdict
Paraguay have already shown they can compete with well-organized performances, but Germany possess greater quality across the pitch and significantly more firepower in the final third.
Expect a competitive knockout battle, with Paraguay making Germany work hard before Die Mannschaft eventually book their place in the Round of 16.
Final Prediction: 🔥 Germany 2-1 Paraguay
