- 1 Germany vs Paraguay: a clash of styles in a knockout tie with a place in the last 16 on the line
- 2 Germany are out to silence the doubts and live up to the billing
- 3 Paraguay are aiming to build an unbreakable wall
- 4 Probable line-ups:
- 5 World Cup 2026 prediction : Germany vs Paraguay
- 6 First, a word on our predictions
- 7 No commitment from us
- 8 Information changes
- 9 Your role
- 10 Responsible gambling first
- 11 Legal age
- 12 About the visuals
Germany vs Paraguay: a clash of styles in a knockout tie with a place in the last 16 on the line 
Germany and Paraguay meet this Monday in a highly anticipated round-of-32 tie, where the smallest slip will mean an immediate trip home. Group winners despite a late wobble, Julian Nagelsmann’s men come into the knockout stage with the tag of favourites, but the pressure is obvious. Across the pitch, Paraguay arrive having sneaked through as one of the best third-placed sides and they will not be overawed. They will lean on their trademark defensive discipline and fancy their chances of pulling off a huge upset.
Germany came through the group stage in mixed fashion, blasting in nine goals across their first two matches before suffering a frustrating defeat to Ecuador (2-1). The South Americans, meanwhile, have flown under the radar after taking four points in Group D, edging Turkey (1-0) and grinding out a goalless draw with Australia (0-0). Against Europe’s ruthless efficiency, Albirroja’s collective organisation is about to face the ultimate reality check.
Germany are out to silence the doubts and live up to the billing 
Despite the setback in their last outing, the Mannschaft still have huge confidence in their game and know a possible showdown with France is already waiting in the next round. For this huge fixture, Julian Nagelsmann is still without defender Nico Schlotterbeck, who is out with a serious ankle injury. On the plus side, young left-back Nathaniel Brown should return to the starting line-up after recovering from a muscle issue, giving them more options down the flank.
In attack, the German coach is expected to go full throttle with the magic trio of Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz leading the line. In midfield, Felix Nmecha and Aleksandar Pavlovic will be tasked with setting the tempo and splitting the opposition open with their passing. At the back, Antonio Rudiger’s experience alongside Jonathan Tah will be vital if Germany are to keep Paraguay quiet and avoid any nasty counterattacking surprise.
Paraguay are aiming to build an unbreakable wall 
Back in the finals after missing the last three World Cup editions, Paraguay have already achieved part of their aim but they are not about to stop there. Head coach Gustavo Alfaro does, however, have a big midfield absence to manage: Diego Gomez is suspended after picking up another booking. The good news is that Albirroja welcome back their key attacking star Miguel Almiron, while the fitness of Omar Alderete (knee) and Ramon Sosa (muscle) will be watched closely.
The South American game plan will be built around discipline, shape and a compact block designed to deny Germany space in the final third. Veteran Gabriel Avalos, 34, will lead the line alongside the busy Julio Enciso as they look to profit from any set-piece opening or quick transition. In midfield, Andres Cubas and Damian Galarza will try to cut off Germany’s preferred passing lanes and keep the score level for as long as possible.
Probable line-ups:
Germany : Neuer ; Kimmich, Rudiger, Tah, Brown ; Nmecha, Pavlovic ; Sane, Musiala, Wirtz ; Havertz
Paraguay : Gill ; Caceres, Alderete, Velazquez, Alonso ; Almiron, Galarza, Cubas, Mauricio ; Avalos, Enciso
on MathODDS
World Cup 2026 prediction : Germany vs Paraguay
Both teams to score: no
On paper, this knockout tie looks like a classic style mismatch. Germany will inevitably have the ball and spend long spells camped in the opposition half, but they are up against a Paraguay block that is compact, physical and more than happy to lock the door. Albirroja showed in the group stage that they can be awkward to break down, conceding very few goals and sticking to an ultra-defensive approach that leaves little room for risk going forward.
In a winner-takes-all game like this, Paraguay will try to kill the tempo and dig in. If Germany’s technical quality through Musiala and Wirtz should eventually make something happen, the South Americans may struggle to get out and pose any real threat to Manuel Neuer’s goal. Short on creativity and missing Gomez, Paraguay could well draw a blank in attack. A one-sided script or a clean sheet for one of the two sides looks the likeliest outcome.
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