2026 World Cup: Germany vs. Paraguay, Probable Lineups

Germany vs. Paraguay is a Round of 16 match at the 2026 World Cup: the two teams take the field at 10:30 p.m. (Italian time) at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. The Germans are heavy favorites; they topped Group E by defeating Curaçao and Ivory Coast, before losing to Ecuador in a meaningless match that highlighted some issues within Nagelsmann’s lineup. Paraguay, for its part, finished third in Group D: after a heavy loss to the U.S., it bounced back with a narrow victory over Turkey, then drew 0-0 with Australia.

The Germans need to prove that the loss to Ecuador was just a blip: Nagelsmann is sticking with Havertz as the center forward, backed by a wealth of talent in Sané, Musiala, and Wirtz. In midfield, Nmecha partners with Pavlovic.

Paraguay relies on Enciso up front, paired with Avalos. In midfield, Galarza and Cubas will play, with Almiron and Mauricio operating on the wings.

Germany vs. Paraguay: Probable Lineups
GERMANY (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kimmich, Rudiger, Tah, Brown; Nmecha, Pavlovic; Sané, Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz.
PARAGUAY (4-4-2): Gill; Cáceres, Alderete, Velázquez, Alonso; Almiron, Galarza, Cubas, Mauricio; Avalos, Enciso.