Men's World Cup

Germany vs Paraguay World Cup prediction, picks, analysis

USA TODAY

June 29, 2026, 6:31 a.m. ET

Germany, the winners of Group E, and Paraguay, the third-place team in Group D meet near Boston in a knockout match, both hoping to move on to what could be a daunting round of 16 match with France.

While Germany won its group with a 7-1 win over Curacao and a 2-1 victory over the Ivory Coast, the former world champions are bouncing back from a defeat. Manager Julian Nagelsmann put a strong lineup on the field for the final group match against Ecuador, but despite an early goal from Leroy Sane, Germany conceded twice and fell 2-1. Center back Nico Schlotterbeck is out for the rest of the tournament after suffering an ankle injury against the Ivory Coast, and while Jonathan Tah and Antonio Ruddier make for a good pairing, there are questions about Joshua Kimmich on the right side and Felix Nmecha in the middle after they disappointed in the match against Ecuador.

Now, Paraguay will try to trip up Germany just like their South American rivals did, likely leaning on manager Gustavo Alfaros conservative style. Things got out of hand in the opener against the United States, but since that 4-1 loss Paraguay havent conceded, beating Turkey 1-0 and qualifying for the round of 32 thanks to a scoreless draw with Australia.

Paraguay may try to get this game going as long as possible and even take it to the penalty spot, though with Miguel Almiron back from suspension, the attacker and forward Julio Enciso also will try to take their chances when opportunities present themselves.

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Germany vs Paraguay predictions

Seth Vertelney: Germany 2-1 Paraguay

This German side has too much quality for a Paraguayan team which was gritty in the group phase, but lacked much attacking thrust.

Jon Arnold: Germany 1-0 Paraguay

I think this could be a pretty grimey game, with Paraguay looking to force extra time and kicks, but Germany lacking the crispness going forward needed to break down a Gustavo Alfaro side. They may just get a late one on a set piece.

Jesse Yomtov: Germany 4 - 0 Paraguay

Kai Havertz scores a pair and Germany kicks it into high gear to set up a round of 16 date with France.

Victoria Hernandez: Germany 3 - 0 Paraguay

Germany was one of the more dominant teams in the group stage. Manager Julian Nagelsmann is a young gun with something to prove and his journey won't slow here.

World Cup picks, predictions and odds for June 29

How to watch Germany vs Paraguay on June 29

Matchup: Germany vs Paraguay
Date: Monday, June 29
Time: 4:30 PM (ET)
Venue: Gillette Stadium
Location: Foxborough, Massachusetts
TV: Fox
Streaming: FOX One App
Spanish Broadcast: Telemundo, Peacock

Watch the 2026 World Cup with Fubo

Germany vs Paraguay odds

World Cup standings

Explore live group standings, stats and the updated bracket with USA TODAY Sports here.

2026 World Cup format

The 48 competing nations are divided into 12 groups of four. Each group will play a round robin style where teams are awarded three points for a win and one point for a draw. The top two teams in each group advance to the Round of 32 along with the eight best third-place squads. Tiebreakers in the group standings will be resolved using the following criteria:

Greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned
Superior goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned
Greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned
Superior goal difference in all group matches
Greatest number of goals scored in all group matches
Highest team conduct score (players and team officials) relating to the number of yellow and red cards obtained
The two or more teams still equal on points shall be ranked according to the most recent published edition of the FIFA Men's World Ranking

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