Germany admits Paraguay will be tough in the 2026 World Cup 32-team round English: Germany admits Paraguay will be tough in the 2026 World Cup 32-team round

JAKARTA - Julian Nagelsmann said Paraguay is a difficult opponent for Germany in the 2026 World Cup 32-team round. He believes his team will need a perfect performance to qualify.

Germany will play its first World Cup knockout match in 12 years in Boston on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, early morning WIB. Nagelsmann called the match a life or death, but supported his players to bounce back from the defeat in the group stage against Ecuador.

"They are a difficult opponent for us. In qualifying, they conceded very few goals. They will demand a lot from us."

"This is a game of life or death. The players will show their best game. We have to be patient. They are a team that defends well and stays compact."

"They have good players and strong physical players. We need a perfect performance," the German coach said in a press conference on Sunday, June 28, 2026.

Germany have faced criticism at home after a mixed showing in the group stage, where they beat Curacao, staged a late comeback to beat Ivory Coast, and lost to Ecuador.

"If you win, everything is perfect, if you lose, everything is chaotic. We work well together and I think we can show how good we are playing as a unit."

"I don't feel the need to prove anything to anyone. I'm just trying to support my players. All we can do is prepare well."

"We all want to do better than against Ecuador," said Nagelsmann.

Despite qualifying as Group E champions, Germany looked vulnerable at times in their three matches against Curacao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador.

Kai Havertz insists the squad are ignoring criticism surrounding their performances. The Arsenal forward says it will take time for the team to adapt as players have only just come through long seasons with their clubs.

"We are fully confident we can win. When you are in a big tournament, people will talk. I don't care what people say."

"We focus on ourselves. I don't really care what people say. It takes time because everyone comes from their club to the national team. You have to get used to your teammates," Havertz said.

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