Germany enter the knockout phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with questions to answer as they prepare to face Paraguay in the Round of 32 on Monday.

Despite finishing top of Group E, Julian Nagelsmann's side head into the contest after a surprise 2-1 defeat to Ecuador, a result that exposed many of the defensive vulnerabilities that had been masked during victories over Curacao and Ivory Coast.

Paraguay, meanwhile, have quietly rebuilt their campaign after an opening-day collapse against hosts USA. Gustavo Alfaro's disciplined side recovered with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Türkiye before a goalless draw against Australia secured progression as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams.

The reward is a daunting meeting with four-time world champions Germany, with the winners advancing to face either France or Sweden in the Round of 16.

Germany's tournament has been something of a contradiction. They remain among the highest-scoring teams in the competition with 10 goals, yet their performances have fluctuated dramatically.

A 7-1 demolition of Curacao showcased their attacking firepower before substitute Deniz Undav rescued them with two late goals against Ivory Coast. However, the defeat to Ecuador highlighted recurring issues in possession and defensive organisation, particularly after taking the lead.

Nagelsmann's side remain dangerous because goals can arrive from every area of the pitch. Seven different players have already found the net, while Undav continues to provide an outstanding impact from the bench with three tournament goals despite not starting a match.

Paraguay have travelled a very different road.

After conceding four against the United States, Alfaro tightened his side considerably. Consecutive clean sheets against Türkiye and Australia demonstrated a defensive resilience that has become the foundation of their revival, although they have yet to face an attacking unit as fluid as Germany's.

Germany continue without Nico Schlotterbeck, whose tournament ended following the ankle injury suffered against Ivory Coast. Antonio Rudiger will again partner Jonathan Tah in central defence.

Nathaniel Brown is expected to return to the starting lineup, while Nagelsmann is likely to restore his strongest attacking trio of Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz.

Germany's biggest task will be regaining control after the positional chaos that undermined them against Ecuador.

Nagelsmann admitted his side lost tactical discipline after taking an early lead, leaving excessive space during defensive transitions. Expect a more measured build-up, with Joshua Kimmich and Felix Nmecha asked to provide greater balance while Musiala and Wirtz drift between the lines.

Paraguay must cope without suspended midfielder Diego Gomez after his second booking of the tournament. However, Miguel Almiron will be available to provide an important attacking outlet.

There are late fitness concerns surrounding Omar Alderete and Ramon Sosa, although both remain hopeful of featuring. Veteran striker Gabriel Avalos is expected to lead the line alongside the dangerous Julio Enciso.

Paraguay are unlikely to alter their pragmatic approach.

Alfaro's compact defensive block has frustrated opponents since the heavy defeat to USA, with disciplined midfield positioning limiting central space before springing forward through Almiron and Enciso on the counter-attack.

The longer Paraguay keep the game level, the more uncomfortable Germany may become.

Florian Wirtz against Paraguay's compact midfield could determine how effectively Germany break defensive lines. If the Liverpool playmaker finds pockets of space between midfield and defence, Germany's attack will flourish.

Equally important will be Enciso's duel with Rudiger and Tah. Paraguay's brightest attacking talent will look to exploit any hesitation in Germany's back line, particularly during quick transitions.

Miguel Almiron's return also provides Paraguay with much-needed pace on the break against Germany's adventurous full-backs.

Germany possess significantly greater attacking quality, but they can no longer rely solely on individual brilliance. The defeat to Ecuador served as a timely warning that poor positioning and defensive lapses will be punished in knockout football.

Paraguay have restored their confidence through organisation, discipline and resilience, and they are capable of frustrating Germany for long spells.

However, over 90 minutes, Germany's attacking depth should eventually tell. With Musiala, Wirtz, Havertz and the game-changing impact of Undav available, Nagelsmann's side have enough quality to overcome Paraguay's resistance.

Paraguay are likely to make Germany work hard for progression, but if Die Mannschaft maintain greater tactical discipline than they showed against Ecuador, they should have enough firepower to secure their place in the Round of 16.