- Germany Predicted lineup vs Paraguay: Antonio Rüdiger to maintain a spot in the starting lineup in the absence of Nico Schlotterbeck.
- Deniz Undav is projected to step into the starting XI, allowing Julian Nagelsmann to rest Florian Wirtz and reshuffle Jamal Musiala out wide.
- The Round of 32 clash will be played on Monday, June 29, at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, kicking off at 11:30 PM EAT.
On the back of a shocking 2-1 defeat against Ecuador in their final Group E fixture, Germany head into the knockout rounds facing mounting pressure against Paraguay on Monday night, to sustain their 2026 FIFA World Cup title charge.
Julian Nagelsmann’s men uncharacteristically lost structural focus in New Jersey last week, serving as a harsh wake-up call despite still finishing top of the group on goal difference.
The biggest storyline heading into the fixture is Nagelsmann’s vocal dissatisfaction with his team’s defensive cohesion, specifically a worrying trend that has seen Germany go nine consecutive World Cups matches without a clean sheet.
READ MORE: Germany vs Paraguay prediction: World Cup Round of 32 preview, team news, lineups & h2h
The head coach explicitly warned his squad against overcomplicating their play in possession, demanding an immediate return to disciplined, foundational football as they enter elimination territory.
“We cannot afford to play with too much freestyle when the stakes are this high. We achieved our initial goal by winning the group, but knockout football ruthlessly punishes structural complacency. We need an immediate defensive adjustment,” Nagelsmann stressed during his post-match analysis.
Germany is projected to maintain consistency across the backline especially after Nico Schlotterbeck was ruled out of the tournament with ankle ligament damage.
While Manuel Neuer remains under the bar, Joshua Kimmich and David Raum will hold down the fullback positions. In the heart of defense, Antonio Rüdiger will once again partner Jonathan Tah.
The most significant adjustments are brewing in the engine room following the breakdowns against Ecuador.
Angelo Stiller is tipped to earn a starting berth, paving the way for Aleksandar Pavlović to drop to the bench after the youngster picked up a yellow card and was hooked at halftime in the group finale. Stiller will slot into the double-pivot alongside Felix Nmecha.
Further forward,tournament super-sub Deniz Undav is projected to enter the starting XI, paving the way for Florian Wirtz to be rested as an impact weapon.
Undav’s introduction shifts Jamal Musiala out wide to the left flank, while Leroy Sané occupies the right wing and Kai Havertz retains his spot up front as the false 9.
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Germany Predicted lineup vs Paraguay- FIFA World Cup Round of 32 (June 29)
Germany XI: Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, David Raum, Antonio Rüdiger, Jonathan Tah, Felix Nmecha, Angelo Stiller, Leroy Sané, Deniz Undav, Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz
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