Germany are aiming to win their first World Cup knockout match in 12 years when they take on Paraguay in the round of 32 today in Boston. After failing to progress past the group stage in 2018 and 2022, Germany topped Group E with a 7-1 thrashing of Curacao and a 2-1 comeback win over Ivory Coast, despite a 2-1 loss to Ecuador in their final group game.
Havertz or Undav up front?
Head coach Julian Nagelsmann faces a tough decision on his starting striker. Arsenal's Kai Havertz is expected to lead the attack, but Deniz Undav has impressed off the bench, scoring a brace against Ivory Coast—including a 94th-minute winner—and contributing a goal and two assists against Curacao. Undav replaced Havertz in the 60th minute against Ecuador but did not start.
Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala are guaranteed starters in the attacking midfield roles behind the striker, while Leroy Sane provides width on the right. All three have started every game, alongside midfield anchors Felix Nmecha and Aleksandar Pavlovic. Nmecha scored against Curacao and assisted Undav's winner against Ivory Coast.
Defensive reshuffle
Germany's defence has been problematic. Nico Schlotterbeck is out with a tournament-ending injury, and Nathaniel Brown missed the Ecuador game with a minor injury. This forced Nagelsmann to switch from a 4-2-3-1 to a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Antonio Rudiger and David Raum coming in. The system lacked fluidity and exposed defensive weaknesses.
Brown is now fit and likely to start, allowing a return to a back four. Joshua Kimmich will move to right-back, with Rudiger or Malick Thiaw partnering Jonathan Tah in central defence. Manuel Neuer, 40, remains in goal despite controversy over his recall, with Oliver Baumann serving as deputy.
Predicted lineup and match details
Predicted Germany XI (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Rudiger, Brown; Pavlovic, Nmecha; Sane, Wirtz, Musiala; Havertz. Injured: Schlotterbeck. The match kicks off at 9.30pm BST on Monday June 29, 2026, at Boston Stadium, broadcast live on BBC.
