Germany’s World Cup campaign enters the knockout stage on Monday as they take on Paraguay in the World Cup Round of 32, with a place in the last 16 at stake.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side finished top of Group E despite suffering a surprise 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in their final group match. Earlier wins over Curaçao and the Ivory Coast had already secured first place, allowing Germany to progress with six points.
Paraguay’s journey has been far less straightforward. A heavy opening defeat to the United States left them with work to do, but they responded with a win over Turkey before grinding out a goalless draw against Australia. Those four points were enough to see them squeeze through as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams and keep their World Cup dream alive.
Now the margins disappear. There are no second chances in the knockout rounds, and only one of these sides will be celebrating at the final whistle – the other will be heading for the plane home.
Germany arrive as clear favourites, but Paraguay have already shown plenty of resilience just to reach this stage. They’ll believe they can frustrate one of the tournament favourites and turn this into an uncomfortable afternoon for the four-time world champions.
How to watch Germany vs Paraguay
Germany vs Paraguay kicks off at 21:30 BST on Monday, June 29, at the Boston Stadium.
The match will be shown live in the UK on BBC One. Fans can also stream the game via BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
In the United States, the game will be available on FOX or FS1. Spanish-language coverage will be shown on Telemundo and Universo, while Peacock will provide streaming options.
In Canada, World Cup coverage is available on TSN and RDS. Select matches will also be broadcast on CTV, while streaming is available through TSN, RDS, CTV and Crave.
Germany team news
Julian Nagelsmann is expected to recall some of his key players after rotating parts of his squad last time out.
Jamal Musiala remains one of Germany’s biggest attacking threats, while Florian Wirtz will look to pull the strings behind the forwards.
Joshua Kimmich and Antonio Rudiger are set to marshal the defence. Manuel Neuer is expected to keep his place in goal.
Nico Schlotterbeck is ruled out of this clash and the rest of the tournament after suffering a ligament injury.
Expected XI:
(4-2-3-1) Neuer – Kimmich, Tah, Rudiger, Brown – Nmecha, Pavlovic – Sane, Musiala, Wirtz – Havertz
Paraguay team news
Paraguay are expected to stick with the side that earned qualification from Group D as one of the best third-placed teams.
Miguel Almiron remains their main creative outlet, while Julio Enciso has the ability to trouble defenders when given space to run.
Omar Alderete is expected to miss this one after suffering a late knee injury in Paraguay’s group game. Brighton midfielder Diego Gomez is suspended for this one.
Expected XI:
(4-4-2) Gill – Caceres, Gomez, Canale, Alonso – Almiron, Galarza, Cubas, Mauricio – Avalos, Enciso.
Germany vs Paraguay stats
- Germany finished top of Group E with six points.
- Paraguay finished third in Group D with four points and qualified as one of the best third-placed teams.
- Germany beat Curaçao and Ivory Coast before losing 2-1 to Ecuador.
- Paraguay lost to the United States before beating Turkey and drawing 0-0 with Australia.
- Germany scored seven goals across their three group games.
- Paraguay scored three goals and kept one clean sheet in the group stage.
- Germany have scored in all three of their World Cup matches.
- Paraguay have kept two clean sheets in their last three matches in all competitions.
- Jamal Musiala has been directly involved in three Germany goals at the 2026 World Cup.
- Florian Wirtz has registered two assists in the tournament.
- Miguel Almiron has been involved in two of Paraguay’s three goals in the group stage.
- Germany are aiming to reach the Round of 16 for the first time since the 2018 World Cup.
Germany vs Paraguay prediction
There is a reason Germany start this one as favourites, but this may not be as comfortable as the odds suggest.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side have looked dangerous going forward throughout the tournament. Even in defeat to Ecuador, Germany created chances and showed enough quality in the final third.
With Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz and Leroy Sané in the same attack, they have several ways to break teams down.
Paraguay, however, have made life difficult for almost everyone they have faced. They recovered from an opening defeat to the United States by beating Turkey and holding Australia to reach the knockout stage. Their defensive organisation has been one of their biggest strengths, and they will look to frustrate Germany before hitting on the counter.
Germany over 1.5 team goals stands out as a solid option. They have scored in every game so far and should create enough opportunities against a Paraguay side that will spend long periods without the ball.
Germany to qualify also looks the safest selection. Paraguay have already exceeded expectations by reaching the Round of 32, but Germany have more quality across the pitch and should eventually find a way through.
A 2-0 Germany win feels like the most likely outcome. Paraguay are capable of making this a physical and competitive contest, but Germany’s attacking talent should prove decisive over 90 minutes.
