World Cup 2026: Germany’s 4-2-3-1 faces Paraguay’s 4-5-1 in Boston

Germany and Paraguay have named their lineups for their 2026 World Cup knockout match in Boston, with Julian Nagelsmann’s 4-2-3-1 set to face Gustavo Alfaro’s compact 4-5-1.

Henry DONCHE

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On 29 Jun 2026 at 21:09 Updated 29 Jun 2026

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Illustration du match Allemagne VS Paraguay, le 29/06/2026 21:30, stade Boston Stadium

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The official lineups for the 2026 World Cup round-of-16 match between Germany and Paraguay are now known. This clash will take place on June 29, 2026 at 21:30 GMT+1 at the Boston stadium. The stakes are crucial — a place in the quarter-finals, pitting Julian Nagelsmann’s robust and attack-minded XI against an organized and cautious Paraguay side under Gustavo Alfaro.

Germany will line up in a 4-2-3-1, combining a solid defense with an attacking setup rich in creativity. Paraguay have opted for a compact 4-5-1, relying on a packed midfield to contain and counterattack. These tactical choices point to a confrontation between possession and defensive impact.

This match marks an important stage after group phases in which neither Germany nor Paraguay have yet faced each other in this competition, making the duel even more open and uncertain. This last-32 tie will be an opportunity for the major individual talents on both sides to make their mark.

Julian Nagelsmann starts Manuel Neuer in goal, protected by a defensive line made up of Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rüdiger, Jonathan Tah and Nathaniel Brown, despite the latter being unavailable through injury. The double pivot in midfield pairs Felix Nmecha with Aleksandar Pavlović, while the attacking play is built around Leroy Sané, Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz. Deniz Undav leads the line alone.

Reading Germany’s XI

The Germany coach has chosen a classic but effective 4-2-3-1 system. Joshua Kimmich, usually a midfielder, starts at right-back, bringing both defensive experience and distribution skills. Antonio Rüdiger and Jonathan Tah form the heart of central defense, supported on the left by Nathaniel Brown, who is ruled out tonight. The Nmecha-Pavlović double screen provides balance and ball-winning ability.

In support, Sané and Wirtz exploit the wings in this dynamic phase, while Havertz plays an advanced playmaker role. Striker Deniz Undav will be their main attacking focal point. Several substitutes, including Jamal Musiala and Leon Goretzka, could come on in the second half depending on how the match develops.

Reading Paraguay’s XI

For his part, Gustavo Alfaro has opted for a very compact 4-5-1. Orlando Gill starts in goal behind a defense made up of Juan Cáceres, captain Gustavo Gómez, José Canale and Júnior Alonso. The midfield sector is dense, with Andrés Cubas, Miguel Almirón, Damián Bobadilla, Matías Galarza and Julio Enciso providing both attacking and defensive support.

Up front, Gabriel Ávalos will be tasked with using his power and eye for goal to unlock the match. Paraguay are counting on a solid and disciplined block to counter Germany’s aggression and launch quick counterattacks through their mobile midfielders.

The starting XIs

Germany

Formation4-2-3-1CoachJulian Nagelsmann

Starters11

1 Manuel Neuer Goalkeeper
6 Joshua Kimmich Defender
2 Antonio Rüdiger Defender
4 Jonathan Tah Defender
18 Nathaniel Brown Defender
23 Felix Nmecha Midfielder
5 Aleksandar Pavlović Midfielder
19 Leroy Sané Midfielder
7 Kai Havertz Forward
17 Florian Wirtz Midfielder
26 Deniz Undav Midfielder

Substitutes14

21 Alexander Nübel
12 Oliver Baumann
22 David Raum
3 Waldemar Anton
24 Malick Thiaw
13 Pascal Groß
16 Angelo Stiller
25 Assan Ouédraogo
10 Jamal Musiala
9 Jamie Leweling
8 Leon Goretzka
20 Nadiem Amiri
11 Nick Woltemade
14 Maximilian Beier

Paraguay

Formation4-5-1CoachGustavo Alfaro

Starters11

12 Orlando Gill Goalkeeper
4 Juan Cáceres Defender
15 Gustavo Gómez Defender
13 José Canale Defender
6 Junior Alonso Defender
10 Miguel Almirón Midfielder
16 Damián Bobadilla Midfielder
14 Andrés Cubas Midfielder
23 Matías Galarza Midfielder
19 Julio Enciso Midfielder
21 Gabriel Ávalos Forward

Substitutes14

22 Gastón Olveira
1 Roberto Fernández
2 Gustavo Velázquez
15 Omar Alderete
5 Fabián Balbuena
26 Alexandro Maidana
11 Mauricio
20 Braian Ojeda
24 Gustavo Caballero
17 Alejandro Romero
7 Ramón Sosa
9 Antonio Sanabria
18 Alex Arce
25 Isidro Pitta

Germany

Second half 46' 0-1 Boston Stadium

Paraguay

29/06/2026 21:30 Round of 32

Fil du match

42'But - J. Enciso (passe M. Galarza)Paraguay, 42e
46'Remplacement - F. Nmecha (remplace L. Goretzka)Allemagne, 46e

World Cup 2026 schedule

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