Overview
- Germany, which finished top of its group despite a 1-2 loss to Ecuador, will meet Paraguay in the World Cup round of 32 on Monday, 29 June at Foxborough near Boston.
- Coach Julian Nagelsmann canceled a planned free day and switched to closed, intensive training sessions to address the team's recent loss and restore match rhythm.
- DFB sport director Rudi Völler publicly urged confidence and said he is relaxed about the squad's chances while coaches focus on fixes rather than wholesale changes.
- Paraguay is described across coverage as a combative, physical side and Miguel Almirón, who received a red card earlier in the tournament, is reported eligible for the game.
- Germany faces selection and tactical questions — including how to add physical presence without changing player constitution and whether to alter midfield choices as Musiala and Wirtz search for form — with a possible meeting against France in the next round noted as a tournament path consequence.