Germany take on Paraguay in what should be a exciting Round of 32 match at the 2026 World Cup on Monday at 9:30pm (UK time).
Germany ended their Group E campaign with a defeat, but they had already secured their group win. While it wouldn’t have been the way Julian Nagelsmann wanted to end their group stage campaign, the important aspect was qualification after two disappointing campaigns in a row. A comprehensive victory over Curacao and an efficient one over Ivory Coast showcased Germany’s adaptability in attack.
Paraguay qualified as one of the best third place teams following their 0-0 draw with Australia. The South American team showed the ability to bounce back after a 4-1 drubbing by United States in their opening game. They won their second game, against Turkey, 1-0 and that proved to be pivotal in their qualification. The lack of goals could be a worry for the side and they’ll need to be at their best against an impressive looking German team.
This will be the third meeting between these two nations, with Paraguay yet to win against the European giants.
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Germany vs Paraguay team news
Germany team news
Julian Nagelsmann is expected to restore his strongest available XI after some rotation for the 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in the group finale. Manuel Neuer retains his place in goal. The Bayern Munich legend came out of international retirement to be Germany’s number one and starts every knockout fixture.
Nathaniel Brown is recovering well from injury and Nagelsmann has confirmed he expects the Eintracht Frankfurt full-back to be available.. His return is a welcome boost for Germany’s left side after David Raum filled in against Ecuador. Nico Schlotterbeck’s tournament-ending ankle injury forces Nagelsmann to adapt his defensive setup. Antonio Rudiger and Jonathan Tah are expected to continue at centre-back.
Joshua Kimmich captains the side from right back. Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sané and Florian Wirtz provide the creative backbone across the attacking midfield line. That trio gives Germany a level of creativity and directness that Paraguay’s defensive structure will struggle to contain across 90 minutes.
Deniz Undav’s role has been that of a super-sub throughout the group stage. He provided goals and assists off the bench against both Curacao and Ivory Coast. Nagelsmann faces his most compelling selection debate ahead of Monday: does Undav finally start, or does Kai Havertz lead the line?
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Paraguay team news
Gustavo Alfaro welcomes Miguel Almiron back into his squad for Monday’s Round of 32 against Germany. Almiron served his one-match suspension against Australia and returns to the starting XI in Boston as Paraguay’s most important creative and attacking threat. His reinstatement fundamentally changes the dynamic of Alfaro’s side. The Atlanta United forward had started both of Paraguay’s opening group games before his controversial red card derailed the campaign.
Antony Gill continues in goal behind a back four that kept consecutive clean sheets against Turkey and Australia. Richard Cáceres and Matías Alonso continue at full-back. Gustavo Gómez captains the side from centre-back, with Júnior Alderete alongside him. That defensive unit has been Paraguay’s most consistent feature across the group stage and faces its sternest examination yet against Germany’s devastating attacking quality.
Adalberto Carrasquilla anchors the midfield and remains Paraguay’s most important player in possession. He controls tempo and protects the defence in equal measure. Caleb Yirenkyi, who scored the winner against Turkey in the 64th second of that match, continues alongside him. Carlos Harvey picked up a yellow card in the group stage but the slate has been wiped clean for all players for the knockout stages.
Almiron operates from the right in support of Cecilio Waterman, who leads the line. Julio Enciso brings his long-range shooting threat and creative quality from wide areas. His ability to strike from outside the box could prove decisive against a Germany defence that has occasionally looked vulnerable.
Paraguay kept clean sheets against Turkey and Australia after losing 4-1 to the United States in their opener. That defensive resilience gives Alfaro a platform – but beating Germany will require Almiron to deliver at the highest level of his international career
Germany vs Paraguay predicted lineups
Germany (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kimmich, Rudiger, Tah, Brown; Nmecha, Pavlovic; Sane, Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz.
Paraguay (4-3-3): Gill; Caceres, Gomez, Alderete, Alonso; Harvey, Carrasquilla, Yirenkyi; Almiron, Waterman, Enciso.
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