Germany take on Paraguay in the round of 32 of the World Cup 2026, seeking their first knockout victory since winning the tournament in 2014. After failing to advance past the group stage in 2018 and 2022, Germany topped Group E despite a 2-1 loss to Ecuador in their final group match.
Germany's Group Stage Performance
Germany began their campaign with a 7-1 thrashing of debutants Curacao, followed by a 2-1 comeback win over Ivory Coast, with a 94th-minute winner from Deniz Undav. They then suffered a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador but still finished first in the group.
If Germany beat Paraguay in Boston on Monday, they are likely to face 2018 champions France in a last-16 match on July 4 in Philadelphia. France play Sweden on Tuesday.
Team News and Predicted Lineup
Head coach Julian Nagelsmann faces a key decision up front: whether to start Arsenal's Kai Havertz or Deniz Undav, who has scored three goals as a substitute in the tournament. Undav came off the bench to score a brace against Ivory Coast, including the winner, and also contributed a goal and two assists against Curacao. However, he remained a substitute against Ecuador, replacing Havertz in the 60th minute.
Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala are guaranteed starters in attacking midfield roles behind the lone striker, while Leroy Sane provides width on the right. All three have started every game, along with midfield duo Felix Nmecha and Aleksandar Pavlovic. Nmecha scored against Curacao and assisted Undav's winner against Ivory Coast. Nagelsmann has used substitutes Pascal Gross, Leon Goretzka, Angelo Stiller, Nadiem Amiri, and Jamie Leweling in midfield.
Defensively, Germany have issues. Nico Schlotterbeck suffered a tournament-ending injury, and Nathaniel Brown missed the Ecuador game due to a minor injury. In that match, Nagelsmann switched from a 4-2-3-1 to a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Antonio Rudiger and David Raum replacing Schlotterbeck and Brown. Rudiger played left centre-back, Jonathan Tah central, Joshua Kimmich right centre-back, Sane as right wing-back, and Raum on the left. Despite Sane's early goal, Germany lacked fluidity and were exposed defensively.
Brown is now fit and expected to start, with Raum dropping to the bench. Nagelsmann is likely to revert to a back four: Kimmich at right-back, Rudiger or Malick Thiaw partnering Tah in central defence, and Brown at left-back.
Manuel Neuer, 40, remains in goal despite controversy over his recall. Oliver Baumann started all World Cup qualifiers but is now deputy.
Predicted Germany XI and Match Details
Predicted Germany XI (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Rudiger, Brown; Pavlovic, Nmecha; Sane, Wirtz, Musiala; Havertz.
Injured: Schlotterbeck.
Time and date: 9.30pm BST on Monday June 29, 2026. Venue: Boston Stadium. How to watch: BBC.
