Foxborough, June 29 (IANS) Germany enter the World Cup round of 32 carrying both confidence and caution as it prepares to face Paraguay in a knockout clash that presents an opportunity to end a long wait for sustained success on football’s biggest stage.

Having reached the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time since 2014, Julian Nagelsmann’s side topped a competitive group despite stumbling in its final group-stage outing, surrendering an early lead in a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador.

That setback may have dented momentum, but Germany remain the overwhelming favourite against a Paraguay side that advanced as one of the best third-placed teams after collecting four points.

Gustavo Alfaro’s men earned progression thanks to a vital victory over Türkiye before grinding out the draw they needed against Australia, though their lack of attacking threat has remained a recurring concern throughout the tournament.

Paraguay’s defensive discipline has been the foundation of its campaign and will once again be its primary weapon. Expect a compact shape designed to frustrate Germany, limit space between the lines and force the Europeans into patient possession. However, the South Americans have struggled to consistently create chances, a weakness that could prove costly in a knockout fixture where opportunities are likely to be scarce.

History also leans heavily in Germany’s favour. The nations last met at the 2002 World Cup, where Germany edged Paraguay 1-0 before eventually reaching the final. More than two decades later, Die Mannschaft will hope for a similarly professional performance as it targets a place in the last 16.

While Germany has yet to fully convince under Nagelsmann, Paraguay’s blunt attack could allow the four-time world champions to rediscover their rhythm when it matters most.

How to watch Germany vs Paraguay live in India

Live streaming and live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be available on the Zee5 platform and app in India. A subscription will be needed.

Live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on the Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels in India.

Key details

Date and kick-off time: Tuesday, June 30, 02:00 AM IST

Venue: Boston Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, United States

Referee: Jalal Jayed

Squads:

Germany –

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer, Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nubel.

Defenders: Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck, David Raum, Robin Koch, Waldemar Anton, Benjamin Henrichs, Maximilian Mittelstadt, Yann Aurel Bisseck.

Midfielders: Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, Leon Goretzka, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Felix Nmecha, Pascal Grob, Angelo Stiller, Karim Adeyemi, Serge Gnabry.

Forwards: Kai Havertz, Deniz Undav, Niclas Fullkrug, Leroy Sane, Jonathan Burkardt.

Paraguay –

Goalkeepers: Ugurcan Cakir, Altay Bayindir, Berke Ozer.

Defenders: Merih Demiral, Caglar Soyuncu, Abdulkerim Bardakci, Samet Akaydin, Eren Elmali, Mert Muldur, Zeki Celik, Ferdi Kadioglu, Yusuf

Akcicek.

Midfielders: Hakan Calhanoglu, Orkun Kokcu, Ismail Yuksek, Salih Ozcan, Okay Yokuslu, Kaan Ayhan, Irfan Can Kahveci, Can Uzun.

Forwards: Kenan Yildiz, Arda Guler, Kerem Akturkoglu, Bariş Alper Yilmaz, Cengiz Under, Semih Kilicsoy, Bertug Yildirim, Deniz Gul

–IANS

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