The 2026 World Cup kicks off for Germany and Paraguay on June 29, a clash that offers an early glimpse into their tournament ambitions. With both nations boasting identical pre-tournament records of 0W 0D 0L, this opening fixture is a true blank slate, setting the tone for their respective campaigns. Germany, traditionally a powerhouse, will be expected to assert dominance, leveraging their experience and a likely roster of top-tier talent. The key narrative for the Germans will be how quickly they can integrate new tactical approaches and gel as a unit after what will have been a significant build-up period.
Paraguay, often considered an underdog against European giants, will aim to disrupt Germany's rhythm and capitalize on any early tournament jitters. Their success will hinge on defensive solidity and sharp counter-attacking play. What to watch for: Germany's attacking cohesion and their ability to break down a potentially stubborn Paraguayan defense. For Paraguay, watch their midfield battle and how effectively they can transition from defense to attack to exploit any German vulnerabilities. This match is more than just three points; it's about making a statement of intent in the world's biggest football spectacle.
1. M. Neuer, 6. J. Kimmich, 4. J. Tah, 2. A. Rudiger, 19. L. Sane, 23. F. Nmecha, 5. A. Pavlovic, 22. D. Raum, 10. J. Musiala, 17. F. Wirtz, 7. K. Havertz
12. O. Gill, 4. J. Caceres, 2. G. Velazquez, 15. G. Gomez, 3. O. Alderete, 26. A. Maidana, 8. D. Gomez, 14. A. Cubas, 23. M. Galarza, 21. G. Avalos, 19. J. Enciso
Match events
42' Goal Normal Goal — J. Enciso (Paraguay) (assists: M. Galarza)
46' subst Substitution 1 — F. Nmecha (Germany) (assists: L. Goretzka)
54' Goal Normal Goal — K. Havertz (Germany) (assists: F. Wirtz)
55' subst Substitution 1 — G. Avalos (Paraguay) (assists: G. Caballero)
57' subst Substitution 2 — J. Enciso (Paraguay) (assists: Mauricio)
63' subst Substitution 2 — D. Undav (Germany) (assists: J. Musiala)
65' Card Yellow Card — A. Cubas (Paraguay)
79' subst Substitution 3 — A. Pavlovic (Germany) (assists: W. Anton)
88' subst Substitution 4 — L. Sane (Germany) (assists: N. Woltemade)
91' subst Substitution 3 — M. Almiron (Paraguay) (assists: G. Velazquez)
99' subst Substitution 4 — J. Caceres (Paraguay) (assists: B. Ojeda)
99' subst Substitution 5 — D. Bobadilla (Paraguay) (assists: A. Sanabria)
102' Var Goal Disallowed - Foul — J. Tah (Germany)
105' Card Yellow Card — G. Alfaro (Paraguay)
105'+1 Card Yellow Card — J. Nagelsmann (Germany)
106' Card Yellow Card — K. Havertz (Germany)
110' subst Substitution 5 — F. Wirtz (Germany) (assists: N. Amiri)
110' subst Substitution 6 — A. Rudiger (Germany) (assists: M. Thiaw)
115' Card Yellow Card — J. Musiala (Germany)
117' Card Yellow Card — M. Galarza (Paraguay)
120'+2 subst Substitution 6 — J. Alonso (Paraguay) (assists: Fabian Balbuena)
120'+1 Goal Missed Penalty — K. Havertz (Germany)
120'+1 Goal Penalty — Mauricio (Paraguay)
120'+2 Goal Penalty — J. Kimmich (Germany)
120'+2 Goal Penalty — G. Gomez (Paraguay)
120'+3 Goal Penalty — J. Musiala (Germany)
120'+3 Goal Penalty — M. Galarza (Paraguay)
120'+4 Goal Missed Penalty — N. Woltemade (Germany)
120'+4 Goal Missed Penalty — A. Sanabria (Paraguay)
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