Germany vs Paraguay Predictions

• Germany have scored 38 times across their last 12 fixtures
• Paraguay were beaten 4-1 by the United States in their opener
• The South American side have lost the xG battle in all three games at this tournament

Germany look to bounce back

Julian Nagelsmann’s decision to name his strongest available lineup against Ecuador raised some eyebrows, with Germany already assured of top spot with a game to spare.

Their lack of urgency was reflected in their performance, as they fell to a 2-1 defeat, ending an 11-game winning streak. However, his side are well-placed to bounce back in their first knockout game, with opponents Paraguay earning few plaudits during the group stage.

End of the road for limited Paraguay

Paraguay arrived at the tournament hailed for their stellar defensive record in qualifying, and proceeded to ship four goals to the United States in their opener.

They followed that abject display with a 1-0 win over Turkey, in which they were firmly second-best. Turkey generated 2.17 Expected Goals to Paraguay’s 0.32.

Knowing a point was enough to take them through, Paraguay offered little in their final game against Australia. They’ve been outperformed in each of their three games at this tournament, and their six friendlies prior to the World Cup featured defeats to South Korea, the United States, and Morocco.

They’re facing a much tougher level of opposition in the last 32, and their run at the tournament should end there.

Wirtz to step up for Germany

Given how Paraguay fell apart defensively against the United States, Germany should be able to cause them a lot of problems in Boston.

Nagelsmann’s side have scored 38 goals across their last 12 matches, and they have plenty of options in forward areas. Deniz Undav looks set to remain in a supersub role, having scored three times off the bench at this tournament. Kai Havertz links up well with a talented attacking midfield trio, with Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala, and Florian Wirtz each catching the eye at this tournament.

Wirtz had eight shots for Germany during the group stage; no player in their squad attempted more. He has two assists at this tournament, but he’s also scored three times for Germany in 2026, and he can get off the mark in what should be a comfortable win for the four-time champions.