FIFA World Cup 2026: Germany vs Paraguay Preview – Die Mannschaft Aim to Return to Winning Ways in Round of 32

Germany begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout campaign with a challenging Round of 32 clash against Paraguay, as Julian Nagelsmann's side look to bounce back from their first defeat of the tournament.

Die Mannschaft made a flying start in the group stage, producing dominant victories over Curacao and Ivory Coast while scoring nine goals across those two matches. Those back-to-back wins secured qualification for the knockout rounds with a game to spare, but a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in their final Group E fixture denied them a perfect record.

Despite the setback, Germany remain one of the tournament's most dangerous teams thanks to their attacking firepower and experienced squad. Four-time world champions, they are aiming to erase the memories of early exits at the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups by making a deep run this summer.

A victory over Paraguay would send Germany into the Round of 16, where a heavyweight clash against France could be waiting.

Paraguay booked their place in the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams after collecting four points from their Group D campaign. Gustavo Alfaro's side finished behind Australia only on goal difference after earning a crucial 1-0 win over Turkey, drawing 0-0 with Australia and suffering a narrow defeat in their opening match.

The South Americans have impressed with their disciplined defending and resilience, and they will hope to produce another famous World Cup upset against one of Europe's traditional powerhouses.

Paraguay's greatest World Cup achievement came in 2010 when they reached the quarter-finals, while they failed to qualify for the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions. Their most recent meeting with Germany ended in an entertaining 3-3 international friendly draw in 2013, although Germany defeated Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16 at the 2002 World Cup.

Team News

Germany will once again be without central defender Nico Schlotterbeck after the Borussia Dortmund defender suffered a serious ankle injury earlier in the tournament. Antonio Rüdiger and Jonathan Tah are expected to continue their partnership in central defence.

Left-back Nathaniel Brown is likely to return after recovering from a muscular issue that ruled him out against Ecuador.

Nagelsmann is expected to stick with his preferred attacking trio of Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz, with all three expected to start in a side capable of troubling any defence in the competition.

Paraguay have their own selection concerns, with Diego Gómez suspended after receiving his second yellow card of the tournament against Australia.

Miguel Almirón returns after serving a suspension, providing a major boost to Paraguay's attack, while Omar Alderete and Ramón Sosa remain fitness doubts ahead of the knockout encounter.

Veteran striker Gabriel Ávalos is expected to lead the line once again as Paraguay attempt to pull off one of the biggest surprises of the Round of 32.

Match Prediction

Germany possess significantly greater quality, experience and attacking depth, while Paraguay's disciplined defensive approach could make this a competitive contest. If Germany produce the same attacking football shown in their opening two matches, they should have enough to progress.

Prediction: Germany 3-1 Paraguay.