Paraguay predicted lineup vs Germany for FIFA World Cup 2026
Paraguay qualified as one of the best third-place teams.
The Paraguay national football team are set for a monumental knockout clash as they are set to face heavyweights Germany in a Round of 32 encounter of the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign at the Boston Stadium in Massachusetts, USA.
Under manager Gustavo Alfaro, Paraguay have built a deeply disciplined, compact defensive unit that aims to suffocate their opponents by prioritizing a low block style, using intense physical duels.
They had an underwhelming start, losing to tournament co-hosts USA 4-1. However, Paraguay made a massive turnaround, securing a historic 1-0 against Turkey, despite being restricted to 10 men, and a 0-0 draw against Australia, to finish in third place with 4 points to progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
The team are entering the matchup with high morale. All eyes will be on playmaker Miguel Almirón, considered the creative source for the team. He remains their most dangerous outlet to transition the team from defence to attack at a rapid pace. The team will heavily rely upon his explosive acceleration and tactical awareness to stretch the German backline and dictate lethal counter-attacks.
Who all will be expected to be in the Paraguay starting lineup?
Paraguay are expected to line the team up in a rigid 5-3-2 formation, absorbing pressure and protecting the central spaces. This defensive structure allows the side to absorb pressure, completely isolate Germany’s attackers in half-spaces, and rely on a heavily physical backline to deny Germany’s creative midfielders.
Orlando Gil is expected to start between the posts as the starting goalkeeper, tasked with stopping the elite German attackers and distributing the ball into the opposition half.
The defence will feature a three-man partnership. The veteran captain Gustavo Gómez will anchor in the middle, bringing incredible aerial dominance and leadership, supported by Gustavo Velázquez and Omar Alderete.
On the flanks, Juan José Cáceres will operate at right wing-back while Alexandro Maidana controls the left wing-back role, both heavily tasked with tracking back to contain Germany’s dangerous wide attackers.
In the midfield, Andrés Cubas will play in the deep-lying defensive role, breaking up central passing spaces and providing cover to his centre-backs. Alongside him, Matías Galarza will operate as the box-to-box midfielder, using his physicality to disrupt Germany’s tempo, while Miguel Almirón is given the freedom to push slightly higher, acting as the primary link to carry the ball forward on counterattacks.
Up front, the two-man forward partnership will look to capitalize on limited opportunities. Julio Enciso will play a free, roaming forward role, utilizing his long-range shooting ability and elite dribbling to create chances out of nothing. Antonio Sanabria will partner alongside to lead the line as the target man, tasked with challenging for aerial long balls, holding up possession under heavy pressure, and scoring crucial goals.
Paraguay’s predicted lineup vs Germany
Paraguay lineup (5-3-2): Orlando Gil (GK); Juan José Cáceres, Gustavo Velázquez, Gustavo Gómez, Omar Alderete, Alexandro Maidana; Miguel Almirón, Andrés Cubas, Matías Galarza; Antonio Sanabria, Julio Enciso.
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Basil Elias Benoy is a sports journalist with a deep passion for football, cricket, and kabaddi. A devoted supporter of Manchester United and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he combines his academic background in Economics with hands-on experience in sports media. His work ranges from professional sports content creation for digital platforms to on-ground reporting for Indian Super League club Kerala Blasters.