Germany Aims for Round of 16 After 12 Years; Paraguay Prepares to Challenge

June 29, Kathmandu — In the round of 32 of FIFA World Cup 2026, a knockout stage match will take place today at the Boston Stadium in the United States between four-time world champions Germany and the South American team Paraguay.

Germany, having topped their group to advance to the knockout stage, will enter the match as strong favorites. However, after a 2-1 loss to Ecuador in their final group match, the team appears somewhat cautious.

Paraguay, which qualified as one of the best third-placed teams, aims to cause another major upset in world football.

In the group stage against Turkey, despite being reduced to 10 men in the second half, Paraguay delivered a brave 1-0 victory, showcasing their strong defensive capabilities.

In this do-or-die match, Germany will try to reassert their attacking prowess, while Paraguay intends to rely on a disciplined defensive structure to frustrate the European giants.

Since winning the title in 2014, Germany has been eliminated in the group stages in the following two World Cups. Therefore, Germany aims to reach the round of 16 after 12 years, while Paraguay is strategizing to block their progress.

Journey So Far

Germany: Qualifying as group winners with two wins and one loss, Germany advanced comfortably to the knockout rounds. Despite the loss to Ecuador serving as a warning sign, coach Julian Nagelsmann’s squad remains one of the main contenders for the title.

Paraguay: Emerging from a tough group as one of the best third-placed teams, Paraguay displayed a well-organized defensive performance during the group stage. Their most memorable moment was managing a 1-0 victory against Turkey with only 10 players in the second half. Capitalizing on limited opportunities, Paraguay is now ready for the next big challenge.

Head-to-Head

Germany and Paraguay have met only twice in international football, with Germany winning one match and the other ending in an exciting 3-3 draw.

Their only encounter in the World Cup knockout stages was in the 2002 Korea/Japan tournament, in the round of 16, where Germany won 1-0 thanks to an 88th-minute decisive goal by Oliver Neuville, advancing Germany to the quarterfinals.

Team News

Germany: Center-back Nico Schlotterbeck is sidelined due to a thigh injury, a major setback for Germany. Coach Julian Nagelsmann is likely to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation with Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rüdiger, Jonathan Tah, and David Raum in defense. Felix Nmecha and Alexander Pavlovic are expected in midfield, while Leroy Sané, Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and Kai Havertz will carry attacking responsibilities.

Paraguay: Midfielder Diego Gomez is suspended after receiving two yellow cards. Star forward Miguel Almirón returns after serving a one-match ban. Coach Gustavo Alfaro is expected to line up in a 4-4-2 formation with Juan José Caceres, Víctor Velásquez, Gustavo Gómez, and Junior Alonso in defense. The midfield will feature Almirón, Andrés Cubas, Matías Galarza, and Mauricio, while forwards Julio Enciso and Gabriel Avalos will lead the attack.

Tactical Battle

Germany prefers to control possession and maintain continuous attacking play, whereas Paraguay relies on a disciplined defensive setup and rapid counterattacks. The game’s outcome will largely depend on how effectively Germany can break down Paraguay’s compact defense. If Paraguay can utilize the pace of Almirón and Enciso, they could pose significant challenges to Germany’s backline.

Key Players

For Germany, all eyes will be on Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and Kai Havertz. For Paraguay, Miguel Almirón, Julio Enciso, and captain Gustavo Gómez are considered the pivotal performers.

Match: Germany vs. Paraguay
Date & Time: June 29, 2:15 AM
Venue: Boston Stadium, USA
Live Broadcast: Himalaya Sports