Germany vs Paraguay Lineups: Team News, Injuries, Suspensions and Possible Starting XI

The Germany vs Paraguay Round of 16 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises tactical intrigue as two contrasting styles collide. Germany's attacking firepower—led by Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and Kai Havertz—faces Paraguay's organized defensive structure anchored by captain Gustavo Gómez. With Antonio Rüdiger securing Germany's backline and Miguel Almirón providing Paraguay's counter-attacking threat, this match offers compelling battles across the pitch. For tactical analysis and predictions, see our Germany vs Paraguay prediction article.

Germany Team News and Injuries
Germany enters the knockout stages with minimal concerns, giving coach Julian Nagelsmann tactical flexibility.
Confirmed Injuries
Serge Gnabry - Hamstring Strain (Doubtful)
Bayern Munich winger Serge Gnabry suffered a minor hamstring injury during training and is rated 50-50 for availability. Leroy Sané remains the primary replacement.
Robin Gosens - Ankle Knock (Available)
Left-back Robin Gosens took an ankle knock but has trained fully and is available for selection.
Suspensions
Joshua Kimmich - Suspended
Captain Joshua Kimmich accumulated two yellow cards and will serve a one-match suspension. This represents Germany's most significant absence. Robert Andrich from Bayer Leverkusen is the likely replacement in the holding midfield role.

Germany Predicted Starting XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper
Marc-André ter Stegen - Barcelona's number one, 34, offers exceptional shot-stopping and distribution. His ability to play out from pressure and initiate attacks is crucial to Germany's build-up.
Defense
Right-Back: Benjamin Henrichs - With Kimmich suspended, RB Leipzig's Henrichs, 27, steps in providing defensive solidity and pace to contain Paraguay's counter-attacks.
Center-Back: Antonio Rüdiger - Real Madrid's defensive leader, 31, brings physicality, aerial dominance, and Champions League experience to Germany's backline.
Center-Back: Jonathan Tah - Bayer Leverkusen's 6'4" defender, 28, provides aerial strength and composed ball-playing ability alongside Rüdiger.
Left-Back: David Raum - RB Leipzig's attacking left-back, 26, offers width and creative delivery from wide positions.
Midfield
Defensive Midfield: Robert Andrich - Replacing Kimmich, the 30-year-old brings energy, ball-winning ability, and tactical discipline to shield the defense.
Central Midfield: Ilkay Gündoğan - The experienced 35-year-old provides technical quality, passing range, and composure under pressure.
Attacking Midfield
Right Wing: Florian Wirtz - Bayer Leverkusen's 21-year-old wonderkid combines explosive pace, technical brilliance, and ability to cut inside onto his left foot.
Attacking Midfield: Jamal Musiala - Bayern Munich's 22-year-old superstar is Germany's most influential creative force. His close control, vision, and movement between lines unlock defensive structures.
Left Wing: Leroy Sané - Bayern Munich's 28-year-old winger provides pace, direct attacking threat, and dangerous delivery from wide positions.
Forward
Striker: Kai Havertz - Arsenal's 25-year-old leads Germany's attack as a false nine. His movement, technical ability, and 6'4" frame provide both creativity and aerial presence.
Germany Starting XI:
Ter Stegen Henrichs - Rüdiger - Tah - Raum Andrich - Gündoğan Wirtz - Musiala - Sané Havertz
Key Substitutes: Thomas Müller, Niclas Füllkrug, Serge Gnabry (if fit)

Paraguay Team News and Injuries
Paraguay approaches the knockout stages with few concerns but limited squad depth compared to Germany.
Confirmed Injuries
Richard Sánchez - Groin Strain (Out)
Club América midfielder Richard Sánchez, 29, will miss the match. Mathías Villasanti replaces him in defensive midfield.
Robert Rojas - Calf Issue (Doubtful)
Right-back Robert Rojas, 28, is managing a calf problem. If unavailable, Juan Cáceres provides experienced cover.
Suspensions
None - Paraguay enters with full squad availability (excluding injured players).

Paraguay Predicted Starting XI
Formation: 5-3-2 / 3-5-2
Goalkeeper
Carlos Coronel - New York Red Bulls goalkeeper, 27, combines shot-stopping ability with distribution to initiate counter-attacks.
Defense
Right Wing-Back: Robert Rojas - If fit, River Plate's 28-year-old balances defensive duties with supporting attacks.
Right Center-Back: Fabián Balbuena - Corinthians defender, 32, brings physical presence and aerial strength.
Center-Back: Gustavo Gómez - Paraguay's captain, Palmeiras' 31-year-old, anchors the backline with leadership and defensive organization.
Left Center-Back: Omar Alderete - Getafe's 27-year-old provides pace and composure in possession.
Left Wing-Back: Junior Alonso - Atlético Mineiro's 31-year-old offers defensive security and tactical intelligence.
Midfield
Defensive Midfield: Mathías Villasanti - Grêmio's 27-year-old replaces Sánchez, providing ball-winning ability and defensive discipline.
Central Midfield: Andrés Cubas - Nantes midfielder, 28, provides energy, pressing intensity, and ball progression.
Attacking Midfield: Julio Enciso - Brighton's 20-year-old talent offers technical quality and creative spark through vision and movement.
Attack
Striker: Miguel Almirón - Newcastle United's star, 30, leads the attack with pace, dribbling, and counter-attacking threat.
Striker: Álex Arce - LDU Quito's 29-year-old provides physical presence, hold-up play, and aerial threat.
Paraguay Starting XI:
Coronel Rojas - Balbuena - Gómez (C) - Alderete - Alonso Villasanti Cubas Enciso Almirón Arce
Key Substitutes: Antonio Sanabria, Ángel Romero, Ramón Sosa

Key Individual Battles
Jamal Musiala vs Gustavo Gómez - Germany's creative maestro faces Paraguay's defensive leader. Musiala's ability to receive between lines challenges Gómez's positioning and anticipation.
Antonio Rüdiger vs Miguel Almirón - Rüdiger's pace will be tested by Almirón's explosive counter-attacking runs behind Germany's high line.
Florian Wirtz vs Junior Alonso - Wirtz's inside movements and one-on-one ability challenge Alonso's defensive positioning.

Tactical Analysis
Germany will dominate possession (65-70%), using patient build-up to break down Paraguay's compact 5-3-2 shape. Wide attackers stretch Paraguay horizontally while Musiala penetrates centrally. With Kimmich suspended, Andrich must prevent Paraguay's transitions.
Paraguay prioritizes defensive organization and rapid counter-attacks through Almirón's pace. Quick transitions after regaining possession exploit space behind Germany's high defensive line. Set-pieces offer additional goal-scoring opportunities through Gómez's aerial presence.

Betting and Prediction Markets
MEXC offers prediction markets covering match results, goalscorers, total goals, and player performance. For comprehensive predictions, read our Germany vs Paraguay prediction article.

Where to Watch
United States: FOX, Telemundo, Peacock
United Kingdom: BBC, ITV
Germany: ARD, ZDF
Paraguay: Tigo Sports
International: FIFA+

Frequently Asked Questions
Who is suspended for Germany?
Joshua Kimmich is suspended. Robert Andrich replaces him.
Is Serge Gnabry playing?
Serge Gnabry is doubtful with a hamstring strain. Leroy Sané likely starts.
Who are Germany's key players?
Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz, Antonio Rüdiger, Marc-André ter Stegen.
Who are Paraguay's key players?
Miguel Almirón, Julio Enciso, Gustavo Gómez.
What formations will they use?
Germany: 4-2-3-1. Paraguay: 5-3-2 / 3-5-2.
Germany vs Paraguay promises compelling tactical contrasts—possession dominance versus defensive organization and counter-attacks. For detailed predictions, read our Germany vs Paraguay prediction article. Follow MEXC News for live coverage.