Germany take on Paraguay in the round of 32 as they look to win their first World Cup knockout game since they last became champions in 2014.
After failing to make it past the group stage both in Qatar in 2022 and Russia in 2018, Germany thrashed debutants Curacao 7-1 and came from behind to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1 to top Group E, despite a 2-1 reverse to Ecuador in the final game.
If they beat Gustavo Alfaro’s men in Boston on Monday, they are likely in line to meet 2018 champions France in a last-16 blockbuster on July 4 in Philadelphia. Didier Deschamps’ side face Sweden on Tuesday.
But before that, head coach Julian Nagelsmann must decide who to start for Germany against Paraguay as they go in search of a fifth World Cup triumph.
His most difficult decision will be whether to stick with Arsenal’s Kai Havertz up front.
Former Brighton forward Deniz Undav came off the bench against the Ivorians to score a brace - including a dramatic 94th-minute winner - and also nabbed a goal and two assists against Curacao as a substitute.
It wasn’t enough to earn him a starting berth against Ecuador as he replaced Havertz in the 60th minute.
Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala are guaranteed starters in those supporting attacking roles behind the lone striker, while Leroy Sane also has license to stretch the pitch and threaten down the right wing.
All three have started each of Germany’s games at the tournament so far, as have Felix Nmecha and Aleksandar Pavlovic, who anchor the midfield. Nmecha, who scored against Curacao and assisted Undav’s winner against Ivory Coast, also provides an attacking threat.
Nagelsmann is unlikely to change any of his midfield, but he has tinkered with who he substitutes them for: Pascal Gross, Leon Goretzka, Angelo Stiller, Nadiem Amiri and Jamie Leweling have all featured from the bench so far.
The defence is where Germany have run into issues. Nico Schlotterbeck suffered a tournament-ending injury, while Nathaniel Brown was forced to sit out the Ecuador game.
The loss of those defenders led Germany into a formation change. They switched from their usual 4-2-3-1 to a 3-4-2-1 system, with Antonio Rudiger and David Raum coming in for Schlotterbeck and left-back Brown.
Rudiger was the left-sided centre-back, with Jonathan Tah remaining central. Joshua Kimmich was the right-sided centre-back, while Sane was moved into a position more akin to right wing-back, with Raum on the opposite flank.
Despite Sane’s early goal, Germany lacked fluidity moving forward and were more exposed defensively.
However, Brown is set to be available again and likely to start, with Raum dropping back to the bench. Nagelsmann is likely to revert to a back four against Paraguay.
Kimmich will return to right-back and Rudiger or Newcastle’s Malick Thiaw will partner Tah in the heart of their defence, with Brown at left-back.
Manuel Neuer, 40, will remain in goal, despite the controversy over his recall to the national team at Nagelsmann’s request in March. Oliver Baumann started every single World Cup qualifier, but is now deputy to the Bayern Munich veteran.
Predicted Germany XI (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Rudiger, Brown; Pavlovic, Nmecha; Sane, Wirtz, Musiala; Havertz
Injured: Schlotterbeck
Time and date: 9.30pm BST on Monday June 29, 2026
Venue: Boston Stadium
How to watch: BBC
