Germany won Group E at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite a 2–1 loss to Ecuador in their final group game, and they face Paraguay at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on June 29, with kickoff at 4:30 PM ET.

Germany locked up first place before that final group result mattered. Paraguay made it through as one of the best third-placed teams. For Die Mannschaft, this is the kind of fixture the squad has been waiting for — a winnable knockout tie with clear favourites status heading in.

Germany’s Strength Through the Groups

Germany’s group stage performance was solid under Julian Nagelsmann. Their defending was organised, their midfield had control, and the goals were shared across the squad rather than relying on one player. That balance is harder to plan against.

The question is whether they can raise their intensity in the knockout phase. This is a younger Germany squad than the side that lifted the trophy in 2014. Some of these players have never been in a World Cup elimination match.

Paraguay’s Underdog Position

Paraguay qualified as a third-place team. They’re physically aggressive, dangerous from set pieces, and well organised defensively. They’re not here to make up the numbers.

Germany are heavy favourites. But Paraguay will make this uncomfortable in the first 45 minutes. If they score first, this becomes a different match entirely. Third-placed qualifiers in expanded World Cups have pulled upsets before.

Kickoff and Where to Watch

Germany vs Paraguay kicks off at 4:30 PM ET on June 29 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Fox Sports carries the US broadcast. ARD and ZDF have German broadcast rights.

Germany haven’t won a World Cup since 2014. Getting past Paraguay would be the minimum expected step toward changing that.