Germany finally qualified for the knockout stage for the first time since 2014. They will take on Paraguay in their Round of 32 clash at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Germany emerged as their group winner, but they finished the group stage on a disappointing note. They gave up an early lead against Ecuador and ended up losing 2-1. However, they’re still the heavy favorites against Paraguay, who come in ranked 41st in the world.
Paraguay ended their group stage as the third-placed team from Group D with four points. Their biggest moment came when they beat Türkiye in their second game, which meant they only needed a draw against Australia to go through — and that’s exactly what they got, even if it wasn’t pretty.
Paraguay hasn’t been scoring goals, but their defense has been the backbone of their tournament. If Paraguay wants to pull off a real surprise against Germany on Monday, they’ll need to be much tighter defensively.
As for Germany, they looked confident when they hammered Curaçao in their first game, but they haven’t been as convincing since. There’s still a gap in quality between the two sides, but Germany will need to be sharper if they want to make this a comfortable afternoon.
Quick match details
Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2026
Stage: Round of 32
Date: June 29
Kick-off Time: 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT / 9:30 p.m. BST & 2:00 a.m. IST
Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, United States
Read More
Germany vs Paraguay: Match Preview and Current Form
Germany
Germany started their FIFA World Cup 2026 on an impressive note, beating Curacao and Ivory Coast while scoring nine goals across those two matches. Those victories were enough to secure a place in the Round of 32 before their final group game.
However, they lost their momentum with a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in the last group-stage match. Julian Nagelsmann’s side will now enter the knockout stage looking to bounce back.
Although Germany are four-time world champions, they were not among the favourites to win the tournament before it began. Their path also gets tougher, with a possible Round of 16 clash against France if they beat Paraguay. Germany will also be hoping to avoid another early World Cup exit after failing to get out of the group stage in both 2018 and 2022.
Read More
Interestingly, Germany faced Paraguay in the Round of 16 at the 2002 World Cup and won 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Oliver Neuville.
World Cup form: W-W-L
Paraguay
Paraguay, meanwhile, qualified for the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams. They finished third in Group D with four points, missing out on second place to Australia only on goal difference.
Gustavo Alfaro’s side heads into this match after a goalless draw with Australia. Their only win in the group stage came against Turkey, where they secured a narrow 1-0 victory.
Paraguay’s best World Cup performance came in 2010 when they reached the quarter-finals. However, they failed to qualify for the 2014, 2018 and 2022 tournaments.
Germany will start as favourites, but Paraguay will take confidence from the fact that the last meeting between the two teams ended in an entertaining 3-3 draw in an international friendly in 2013.
World Cup form: L-W-D
Germany vs Paraguay: Team News and Injury Update
Germany
Germany will be without defender Nico Schlotterbeck, who suffered a serious ankle injury during the match against Ivory Coast. As a result, Antonio Rüdiger is expected to continue alongside Jonathan Tah in central defence.
Left-back Nathaniel Brown missed the game against Ecuador because of a muscle problem, but he is likely to return to the starting lineup for this match. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann is not expected to make many changes. Kai Havertz is set to lead the attack, with Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala providing support in the final third.
Paraguay
For Paraguay, Diego Gómez will miss the match after receiving his second yellow card of the tournament against Australia, which means he is suspended. Miguel Almirón is available again after serving a suspension, while Omar Alderete and Ramón Sosa will both need late fitness checks before the game.
Up front, Gabriel Ávalos is expected to keep his place in the starting lineup. The 34-year-old has scored only two goals in 25 appearances for Paraguay but is still likely to lead the attack.
Germany and Paraguay Probable starting XI
Germany Probable starting XI
Goalkeeper: Neuer
Defenders: Kimmich, Tah, Rüdiger, Brown
Midfielders: Nmecha, Pavlović
Attackers: Sané, Musiala, Wirtz
Forward: Havertz
Paraguay Probable starting XI
Goalkeeper: Gill
Defenders: Cáceres, G. Gómez, Velázquez, Alonso
Midfielders: Galarza, Cubas
Attackers: Almirón, Mauricio, Enciso
Forward: Ávalos
Also Read: Germany vs Paraguay: Five Players To Watch In FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Clash
