FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE: Paraguay Take 1-0 Lead Against Germany
The Germans did enough to top their group as they hammered Curacao and edged out Ivory Coast before losing to Ecuador
Germany take on Paraguay at the Gillette Stadium near Boston in what will, remarkably, be their first knockout match at a World Cup since they beat Argentina in the 2014 final.
The Germans did enough to top their group as they hammered Curacao and edged out Ivory Coast before losing to Ecuador.
Currently ranked 10th in the world, Germany are not widely seen as genuine contenders to win the trophy, even if coach Julian Nagelsmann insists that has to be their aim.
German striker Kai Havertz believes that now is the moment for him, Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala to finally click after underwhelming performances in the group stage.
Germany are expected to defeat the Paraguayans, who progressed as one of the best third-place finishers.
They are appearing in the knockout phase for the first time since 2010, but it is a tough ask for Paraguay who have had to rapidly relocate for this game after being based on the West Coast of the US during the group stage.
Whoever emerges victorious will advance to a last-16 clash against either France or Sweden.
Live Updates
- 30 Jun 2026 3:13 AM IST
48’ – Germany press, Paraguay threaten on the break
Germany begin the second half on the front foot as Joshua Kimmich swings a cross into the penalty area, but the Paraguay defence deals with it comfortably.
Paraguay respond immediately through Julio Enciso, who drives forward on the counter. With little support at first, Matías Galarza eventually joins the attack, but Germany recover in numbers to halt the move.
Germany 0-1 Paraguay
- 30 Jun 2026 3:13 AM IST
Substitution, Germany
Leon GORETZKA ON
Felix NMECHA OFF
Before the second half begins, Leon GORETZKA (in) comes off the bench to replace Felix NMECHA (out) for Germany.
- 30 Jun 2026 3:07 AM IST
Second Half
Play resumes at the Boston Stadium for the second half of this FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash.
Germany have it all to do after falling behind just before the break, while Paraguay are 45 minutes away from a famous place in the Round of 16.
Germany 0-1 Paraguay
- 30 Jun 2026 2:51 AM IST
Half Time
Paraguay head into the break with a surprise lead after a disciplined first-half performance in the Round of 32 clash.
Germany enjoyed the majority of possession and created several promising moments through Deniz Undav, Florian Wirtz and Joshua Kimmich, but they were unable to find a way past Paraguay’s compact defence.
After soaking up sustained pressure, Paraguay struck in the 42nd minute when Julio Enciso powered home a header from Matías Galarza’s cross to stun the four-time world champions.
Germany face a big second half if they are to keep their World Cup hopes alive, while Paraguay are 45 minutes away from a famous victory.
Germany 0-1 Paraguay
- 30 Jun 2026 2:50 AM IST
45+3’ – Germany threaten late
Germany come close to finding an equaliser before the break.
The corner is only half-cleared, allowing Joshua Kimmich to fire a shot on target from the edge of the area. Moments later, Kai Havertz goes down under a challenge from Juan José Cáceres, but the referee waves away the appeals.
Even if a penalty had been given, the flag was already up for offside against Havertz.
Germany 0-1 Paraguay
- 30 Jun 2026 2:46 AM IST
The fourth official indicates there will be five minutes of added time at the end of the first half.
Germany will look for a quick response before the break after Julio Enciso’s opener, while Paraguay aim to protect their slender advantage.
Germany 0-1 Paraguay
- 30 Jun 2026 2:43 AM IST
42’ – GOAL! Paraguay take the lead
Paraguay strike from a set-piece to stun Germany.
Matías Galarza delivers an excellent cross into the penalty area, where Julio Enciso rises above the defence to power a header past Manuel Neuer.
After spending long periods without the ball, Paraguay make their opportunity count and move in front with a clinical finish.
Germany 0-1 Paraguay
- 30 Jun 2026 2:42 AM IST
41’ – Germany frustrated again
Germany are still searching for a breakthrough.
A short corner leads to Florian Wirtz trying to slip a teammate in down the left side of the penalty area, but Juan José Cáceres reads the danger well and intercepts.
Moments later, Germany are penalised for an inadvertent handball, ending another promising attack. Paraguay then win a corner after Miguel Almirón’s cross is deflected behind by Nathaniel Brown.
Germany 0-0 Paraguay
- 30 Jun 2026 2:40 AM IST
37’ – Paraguay continue to frustrate Germany
Paraguay are defending with great discipline and making life difficult for Germany.
After Miguel Almirón’s run is halted by Nathaniel Brown, Matías Galarza reacts quickly to intercept the loose ball, drives through the middle and wins another important free-kick for his side.
Germany are dominating possession, but Paraguay’s compact shape continues to keep the four-time world champions at bay.
Germany 0-0 Paraguay
- 30 Jun 2026 2:39 AM IST
35’ – Paraguay remain disciplined
Paraguay continue to frustrate Germany with a well-organised defensive display.
Despite seeing little of the ball, they are controlling the tempo by staying compact and winning fouls in key areas. Going forward they have offered limited threat, with Gabriel Ávalos isolated up front.
This time, Miguel Almirón wins a free-kick after being brought down by Felix Nmecha, giving Paraguay another chance to relieve the pressure.
Germany 0-0 Paraguay
