Germany vs. Paraguay Predicted Lineups: Expected Starting XIs for Today’s Round of 32 Match

The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage continues as Germany takes on Paraguay in a Round of 32 matchup with a place in the Round of 16 on the line.

Germany advanced to the knockout rounds after winning its group and enters the match as one of the tournament favorites thanks to its blend of experienced veterans and rising stars. Paraguay, meanwhile, earned its spot in the knockout stage through a disciplined group-stage performance and will look to pull off one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.

Led by stars such as Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, Gustavo Gómez, and Miguel Almirón, this matchup features contrasting styles. Germany will look to control possession and create chances through its dynamic attack, while Paraguay will rely on its defensive organization and counterattacking ability to challenge one of Europe’s elite.

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Germany Predicted Starting Lineup

Germany is expected to field a balanced lineup featuring creativity in attack and experience throughout the spine of the team.

Manuel Neuer starts in goal behind a back four of Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rüdiger, Jonathan Tah, and Nathaniel Brown. Rüdiger anchors the defense with his physicality and leadership, while Kimmich provides quality and experience from right back.

In midfield, Felix Nmecha and Aleksandar Pavlović are expected to control possession and shield the back line. Their composure allows Germany’s attacking players to operate with freedom.

Further forward, Leroy Sané, Jamal Musiala, and Florian Wirtz are expected to support striker Kai Havertz. Musiala and Wirtz provide elite creativity between the lines, while Havertz’s movement and finishing make him Germany’s primary goal-scoring threat.

• GK: Manuel Neuer
• RB: Joshua Kimmich
• CB: Antonio Rüdiger
• CB: Jonathan Tah
• LB: Nathaniel Brown
• CDM: Felix Nmecha
• CDM: Aleksandar Pavlović
• RW: Leroy Sané
• CAM: Jamal Musiala
• LW: Florian Wirtz
• ST: Kai Havertz

Paraguay Predicted Starting Lineup

Paraguay is expected to deploy a disciplined and hard-working lineup built around defensive solidity and quick transitions.

Orlando Gill starts in goal behind a back four consisting of Juan José Cáceres, José Canale, Gustavo Gómez, and Junior Alonso. Gómez provides leadership in central defense, while Alonso adds versatility and experience on the left side.

In midfield, Andrés Cubas and Matías Galarza are expected to anchor the center of the pitch, with Miguel Almirón and Mauricio providing width and pace from the flanks.

Leading the attack are Gabriel Ávalos and Julio Enciso. Enciso’s creativity and dribbling ability make him Paraguay’s most dangerous attacking weapon, while Ávalos provides a physical presence in the penalty area.

• GK: Orlando Gill
• RB: Juan José Cáceres
• CB: José Canale
• CB: Gustavo Gómez
• LB: Junior Alonso
• RM: Miguel Almirón
• CM: Andrés Cubas
• CM: Matías Galarza
• LM: Mauricio
• ST: Gabriel Ávalos
• ST: Julio Enciso

Team News & Key Absences

Germany enters the Round of 32 with one of the tournament’s deepest squads. Musiala and Wirtz remain the creative engines in attack, while Neuer and Rüdiger provide invaluable experience in crucial knockout matches.

Paraguay arrives with confidence after advancing from the group stage. Gustavo Gómez will lead the defense, while Almirón and Enciso are expected to carry much of the attacking responsibility as Paraguay looks to capitalize on counterattacking opportunities.

Both teams are expected to have the majority of their preferred starters available for this knockout-stage clash.

Match Outlook & Resources

Germany enters the match as the favorite thanks to its technical quality, depth, and attacking talent. If Musiala, Wirtz, and Sané are able to find space between the lines, Germany will create plenty of scoring opportunities.

Paraguay has consistently proven to be a difficult team to break down and possesses enough pace and creativity to threaten on the counterattack. Remaining compact defensively while taking advantage of limited chances will be key to its upset hopes.

With a place in the Round of 16 at stake, expect an intense and competitive knockout-round battle between Germany’s attacking firepower and Paraguay’s disciplined defensive approach.

AP Images/Frank Franklin II