Germany returns to knockout stage
Germany is set to compete in the World Cup 2026 knockout stage for the first time in 12 years, facing Paraguay in the last 32. This marks a significant return for the German national team, which had not progressed beyond the group stage since winning the title in 2014. Despite finishing Group E as winners, Julian Nagelsmann’s side experienced a setback in their final group match, a 2-1 loss to Ecuador in New York.
The German team secured top spot in their group with 10 goals scored and two wins from three matches. Their group stage results included a 7-1 victory against Curacao and a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast, before the defeat to Ecuador. This progression to the last 32 is considered an achievement for Germany, ending an era of early exits from the tournament in 2018 and 2022.
The match against Paraguay represents Germany’s first World Cup knockout game since the 2014 final, a period spanning 4369 days. The team is widely considered favourites for the upcoming fixture. However, their extended absence from the knockout rounds suggests that previous certainties surrounding Germany’s World Cup performances may no longer apply.
Team news and historical context
For Germany, Deniz Undav is slated to start up front for the first time in the tournament, having already scored three goals. This change sees Jamal Musiala drop out of the starting lineup, with Kai Havertz expected to play as a No10 in midfield. The confirmed starting XI for Germany includes Neuer, Kimmich, Tah, Rudiger, Brown, Pavlovic, Nmecha, Sane, Havertz, Wirtz, and Undav.
Germany will be without Nico Schlotterbeck due to an ankle injury sustained against Ivory Coast, making his further participation in the World Cup unlikely. Nathaniel Brown, who missed the Ecuador game with a muscle issue, could potentially return for this match.
Paraguay, meanwhile, advanced from Group D in third place. Their group stage performances included a 1-4 loss to the USA, a 1-0 win against Turkey, and a 0-0 draw with Australia. Miguel Almiron returns to the Paraguay side after serving a suspension, while Diego Gomez will miss the match due to his own suspension. Omar Alderete and Ramon Sosa are both undergoing assessment for knee and muscle injuries, respectively.
Historically, Paraguay has proven to be a challenging opponent in knockout matches. In 1998, the eventual winners France required the World Cup’s first Golden Goal to defeat them. In 2002, finalists Germany secured a late winner against them. Paraguay reached the quarter-finals in 2010, giving eventual winners Spain a significant scare before a 1-0 loss, a match where Oscar Cardozo had a second-half penalty saved when the score was 0-0. They have not scored a goal in five World Cup knockout games.
Path ahead for the winners
The winners of the Germany versus Paraguay match will advance to the last 16. Their next fixture will be held in Philadelphia on Saturday 4 July, where they will face either France or Sweden. This upcoming stage of the tournament is often referred to as the “real World Cup,” with an increased intensity that knockout football brings.
The 2026 World Cup, featuring a 48-team format, has now entered its knockout stages. The Dutch squad, ahead of their last-32 tie against Morocco, highlighted the heightened stakes, with defender Jan Paul van Hecke stating, “Now, the big games come.”
Paraguay has waited even longer than Germany to return to this stage of the competition, having last been in a do-or-die knockout scenario in 2010.
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Source: theguardian.com
As Latest News UK's Sports Reporter, Hannah Whitfield reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name covering the county circuit and Team GB at two Commonwealth Games. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Loughborough University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Hannah lives in Bristol, where she plays club tennis and coaches a junior side. “Sport is at its best when you let the athletes tell the story.”