Germany
World CupWhy this tip?
We have continuously predicted Germany matches to have goals, and I cannot see how this match will not feature goals, with both sides’ poor performances at the back. Germany should get their first knockout-round win since their World Cup-winning campaign in 2014 with a 2 – 1 win over Paraguay.
Match Preview
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
- Matchday: Last 32
- Date: 29 June 2026
- Kick-off time: 16:30 USA (22:30 SA)
- Venue: Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium)
Match details
Germany and Paraguay meet in the first Knockout Round at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in the Round of 32. The two teams clash at the Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium) in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The match is set to take place on the 29th of June 2026, commencing at 16:30 (GMT-4) in Foxborough, and 22:30 (GMT+2) in South Africa. The 2026 FIFA World Cup Knockouts are upon us, and if you are enjoying our expert coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, head over to our Topbets World Cup predictions page.
Why this match matters
The third match of the Round of 32 features Group E winners Germany taking on third-place in Group D Paraguay, who finished as one of the eight best third-placed teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This fixture marks the first appearance by both teams in the knockout rounds of a FIFA World Cup in over a decade, with Germany in 2014 and Paraguay in 2010.
Both Germany and Paraguay ended their group matches without a win and will be determined to put on a better showing and qualify for the Round of 16. This fixture marks their first meeting in an international tournament since Germany narrowly edged out Paraguay at the 2002 FIFA World Cup 1-0. The four-time FIFA World Cup winners, Germany, will look to repeat the result when they meet a Paraguayan side that has never defeated them.
Germany vs Paraguay head-to-head stats
Head-to-head record
Germany and Paraguay have met just twice in men’s senior international football, with Germany leading the head-to-head record (1 – 1 – 0), having won and drawn once in their two meetings. In their meetings, Germany scored 4 goals, while Paraguay scored 3 times. Their two meetings consisted of:
- 14/08/2013 (Friendly International) Germany 3 – 3 Paraguay
- 15/06/2002 (2002 FIFA World Cup) Germany 1 – 0 Paraguay
Germany’s recent form
Germany’s last five matches: WWWWL–
Germany is in good form heading into their first knockout game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having won four and lost one of their last five matches against the following teams:
- 25/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup): Ecuador 2 – 1 Germany
- 20/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup): Germany 2 – 1 Côte d’Ivoire
- 14/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup): Germany 7 – 1 Curacao
- 06/06/2026 (Friendly International): USA 1 – 2 Germany
- 31/05/2026 (Friendly International): Germany 4 – 0 Finland
Germany was in good form heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, going on a nine-game winning run, which saw them top their World Cup Qualifier group. Despite not having a solid backline, their attack has shown time and time again that they are capable of outscoring any team and continued this trend in their opening match. In their last five matches, Germany has scored 16 times while conceding 4 goals. Each match had over 2.5 goals, with four games featuring both sides scoring.
Die Mannschaft had picked up wins over strong teams such as Finland and the USA before claiming victories over FIFA World Cup debutants Curacao and African giants Côte d’Ivoire in their first two World Cup games. However, as expected, their poor defensive form came to the fore against Ecuador, resulting in a shock defeat.
Paraguay’s recent form
Paraguay’s last five matches: LWLWD–
Paraguay enters the knockout round in poor form, having won twice, lost twice and drawn once in their last five outings. These results were gained against the following opponents:
- 26/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup): Paraguay 0 – 0 Australia
- 20/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup): Turkey 0 – 1 Paraguay
- 13/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup): USA 4 – 1 Paraguay
- 06/06/2026 (Friendly International): Paraguay 4 – 0 Nicaragua
- 31/03/2026 (Friendly International): Morocco 2 – 1 Paraguay
Paraguay qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the six best-placed CONMEBOL teams after finishing sixth in the group. Since then, they have been in inconsistent form recently and have not strung together a winning streak. Now they have the unenviable task of facing off against a team that won the FIFA World Cup four times.
Paraguay started off their World Cup campaign with a crushing defeat over co-hosts the USA, before defeating a lacklustre Turkish side and drawing with Australia. In their last five outings, Paraguay has scored 7 goals and conceded 6. They managed to pick up three clean sheets, with three matches ending with over 2.5 goals.
Team news
Germany team news
Injuries: Lennart Karl (Thigh Injury) & Nico Schlotterbeck (Ankle Injury)
Suspensions: N/A
Key players to watch: Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala will be the standout creative engines for Germany once again against Paraguay. They will operate in the half-spaces and be the central hub for chance creation and goal-scoring opportunities. Kai Havertz is the focal point of the German attack and will need to draw in the Paraguayan defenders to create spaces for runners coming from deep. Captain Joshua Kimmich will dictate the tempo by pushing upfield, controlling central areas and providing width and pace to the German attack. After Nico Schlotterbeck’s injury, I hope that Antonio Rüdiger will become the defensive anchor of the German side and will keep the back line stable by stopping counterattacks. I expect Deniz Undav, who scored three goals in the group stage, will continue to be utilised as an impact sub and get some minutes to cause problems for the defence.
Paraguay team news
Injuries: Omar Alderete (Knee Injury)
Suspensions: Diego Gómez (Accumulation of Yellow Cards)
Key players to watch: Julio Enciso is the focal point of the Paraguayan attack, with his ability to hold possession, elite 1v1 dribbling, and long-range shooting. His ability to create magic out of nothing when moving the ball forward should cause problems for Neuer in goal. Andrés Cubas will serve as the single defensive shield after Diego Gómez was ruled out due to suspension. He will need to be on his game and disrupt the passing lanes of the German midfield. The returning Miguel Almirón is Paraguay’s ultimate weapon in their counterattack due to his explosiveness in creating goals by adding width. The experience, composure and versatility of Captain Gustavo Gómez will be vital to neutralise the German attack. Together with Gustavo Velázquez, they will play a crucial role in stopping the German onslaught and will need to use their physicality and aerial presence to thwart German set pieces.
Predicted lineups
Germany predicted XI
Despite winning their group, Germany showed no killer intent against Ecuador and suffered a major defeat heading into the Knockout Rounds. Julian Nagelsmann should retain Germany’s coveted 4-2-3-1 formation in their Round of 32 match. I expect Germany’s creative midfield to drive their possession-based attack against a solid Paraguayan low block. I predict that Julian Nagelsmann will name a side that is nearly unchanged, composed of proven Bundesliga and English Premier League players, with Die Mannschaft starting XI featuring:
Manuel Neuer (G) – Joshua Kimmich (C) – Antonio Rüdiger – Jonathan Tah – Nathaniel Brown – Felix Nmecha – Aleksander Pavlović – Leroy Sané – Jamal Musiala – Florian Wirtz – Kai Havertz.
Paraguay predicted XI
From what I have seen from the group stage, I expect Gustavo Alfaro to rely on a low defensive block and quick counterattacks against a strong German outfit. In defence, I want to see Paraguay focus on controlling the middle and suffocating the passing lanes to hinder the German attack. Their goal should be to absorb pressure and immediately transition the ball into space for their pacy wingers. Paraguay plays with a highly compact and defensive 4-4-2, and I predict La Albirroja’s starting XI to feature:
Orlando Gill (G) – Juan José Cáceres – Gustavo Gómez (C) – Gustavo Velázquez – Alexandro Maidana – Miguel Almirón – Andrés Cubas – Matías Galarza – Mauricio – Julio Enciso – Gabriel Ávalos.
Best betting markets for Germany vs Paraguay
Match winner
Prediction: Germany to WIN @ 33/100 (1.33) at Sportingbet.
Over/Under goals
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals @ 72/100 (1.72) at BetXchange.
Both teams to score
Prediction: Both teams to score Yes @ 11/10 (2.10) at Pantherbet.
Anytime goalscorer
Prediction: Deniz Undav to score anytime @ 23/20 (2.15) at Betshezi.
With World Cup fever taking over Mzansi’s shores, there are still loads of other sporting events on offer. The South African Champions Season is currently underway in KZN, with the upcoming headliner, the Durban July, taking place on the 04th of July. You can get all of your horse racing tips right here at Topbets.
Germany vs Paraguay prediction
Best bet
Prediction: Germany & Over 2.5 Goals @ 9/10 (1.90) at Betshezi.
Correct score prediction
Prediction: Match to end 2 – 1 to Germany @ 9/1 (10.00) at WSB.
Match analysis and verdict
Germany and Paraguay are set to meet at an international competition for the first time since their clash at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, when Germany won 1 – 0. Paraguay are not in the best of form, and will have a monumental task of trying to defeat four-time World Cup champions Germany in this highly anticipated encounter.
We have continuously predicted Germany matches to have goals, and I cannot see how this match will not feature goals, with both sides’ poor performances at the back. Germany should get their first knockout-round win since their World Cup-winning campaign in 2014 with a 2 – 1 win over Paraguay.
Writer/Betting Tipster
I have been in the iGaming industry for a decade and am an avid sports bettor and fan. I have expanded my betting knowledge to create articles on the iGaming industry focusing on online casino content and sports betting analysis for several regions, including South Africa. I cover various sports, including Soccer, Cricket and Horse Racing. All my predictions, tips and insights are thoroughly researched and I aim to help fellow punters in beating the bookies!
