Germany-Paraguay: first knockout test since 2014

In the 2026 World Cup Round of 32, Germany and Paraguay meet at Gillette Stadium in Boston for a place in the last 16. Germany reached this stage by topping Group E, beating Curaçao 7-1 before losing 2-1 to Ecuador in their final group game. For Julian Nagelsmann's side, this will be their first World Cup knockout match since the 2014 final — the game won by Mario Götze in extra time.

Germany are clear favourites on paper. The attacking line of Musiala, Wirtz and Sané is the team's strongest weapon, but the defence has shown weaknesses throughout the tournament. Nico Schlotterbeck's tournament-ending ankle injury is a major blow for the four-time champions, but in Rüdiger they have an incredibly experienced replacement. 

The picture is different for Paraguay. Gustavo Alfaro's men finished third in Group D on four points, beating Türkiye 1-0 and drawing 0-0 with Australia. Paraguay produced the second-lowest expected goals (xG) of all 48 nations in the group stage and struggle badly to score; they will therefore set up a deep defensive block, aiming for extra time and penalties rather than to win inside 90 minutes. 

Absences could shape the game. Diego Gómez's suspension is a big blow given Paraguay's relative lack of attacking talent, while Miguel Almirón returns after serving his ban. The two nations' only World Cup meeting came in the 2002 Round of 16, which Germany won 1-0. The winner of this match will face the victor of France-Sweden in the Round of 16. Here are the two probable lineups:

🇩🇪 Germany (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Rüdiger, Brown; Nmecha, Pavlović; Sané, Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz. Coach: Julian Nagelsmann
🇵🇾 Paraguay (4-4-2): Gill; Cáceres, Balbuena, Velázquez, Alonso; Almirón, Galarza, Cubas, Mauricio; Enciso, Avalos. Coach: Gustavo Alfaro

Image: Sports Illustrated