World Cup 2026: Paraguay faces Germany in Round of 16 clash

Paraguay faces a formidable challenge in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16, taking on Germany on June 29 at Boston's Stadium in Massachusetts. The South American team, considered an underdog, aims to pull off a major upset against a traditional World Cup powerhouse.

Under coach Gustavo Alfaro, Paraguay has undergone a significant transformation. FIFA notes that Alfaro's arrival in August 2024 marked a turning point for a team that had suffered three group stage losses in the Copa América with little hope of recovery. Their improved performance in the South American qualifiers secured their return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010.

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It will be wonderful. The match will be decided by details.

"It will be wonderful. The match will be decided by details," said Alfaro in a pre-match press conference. He emphasized the difficult context of his appointment, stating that few expected Paraguay to qualify for the World Cup after the Copa América. The coach highlighted the team's two-year process and declared their objective: "We came to compete."

Germany, meanwhile, advanced as group leaders, securing victories against Curaçao and Ivory Coast. However, a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in their final group match served as a warning. Julian Nagelsmann's squad will look to reassert their dominance in the knockout stages. Attention is also on forward Kai Havertz, who has scored four goals in five World Cup matches.

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We came to compete.