Jamal Musiala has been dropped for Germany as they bid to win their first World Cup knockout game for 12 years when they meet Paraguay today in the round of 32.
After failing to make it past the group stage both in Qatar in 2022 and Russia in 2018, Germany thrashed debutants Curacao 7-1 and came from behind to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1 to top Group E, despite a 2-1 reverse to Ecuador in the final game.
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If they beat Gustavo Alfaro’s men in Boston on Monday, they are likely in line to meet 2018 champions France in a last-16 blockbuster on July 4 in Philadelphia. Didier Deschamps’ side face Sweden on Tuesday.
But before that, head coach Julian Nagelsmann must decide who to start for Germany against Paraguay as they go in search of a fifth World Cup triumph.
His most difficult decision will be whether to stick with Arsenal’s Kai Havertz up front.
Former Brighton forward Deniz Undav came off the bench against the Ivorians to score a brace - including a dramatic 94th-minute winner - and also nabbed a goal and two assists against Curacao as a substitute.
It wasn’t enough to earn him a starting berth against Ecuador as he replaced Havertz in the 60th minute.
However, he does start against Paraguay, replacing Musiala in one of two changes from last time out as Nathaniel Brown has shaken off a knock to return at left-back.
Kai Havertz, as expected, leads the line with support from Leroy Sane and Florian Wirtz. Joshua Kimmich captains the side, while Manuel Neuer makes a fourth consecutive start since coming out of international retirement.
Confirmed team news
Germany XI: Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Rudiger, Brown; Nmecha, Pavlovic; Sane, Undav, Wirtz; Havertz
Substitutes: Baumann, Nubel, Anton, Raum, Thiaw, Goretzka, Leweling, Musiala, Gross, Stiller, Amiri, Ouedraogo, Woltemade, Beier
Injured: Schlotterbeck
Time and date: 9.30pm BST on Monday June 29, 2026
Venue: Boston Stadium
How to watch: BBC
