Deniz Undav: Better than Messi and Mbappe according to FIFA

The German national football team faces its first knockout round match of the 2026 World Cup against Paraguay on Monday, June 29, 2026. The game is scheduled to take place at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough, starting at 16:30 local time (22:30 Central European Summer Time). This marks a crucial moment for Germany, as they must secure a win to advance to the quarterfinals after finishing second in their group behind Ecuador. The stakes are high, especially following a narrow 1-2 loss to Ecuador in their final group match, which has raised concerns about the team's performance and morale.

Germany’s approach to this match includes potential tactical adjustments, according to head coach Julian Nagelsmann. While the team has remained largely unchanged throughout the group stage unless forced by injuries, Nagelsmann hinted at considering changes for this pivotal encounter. He emphasized the need for focus and determination, stating that the players' commitment and training have prepared them well for the challenge ahead. However, he refrained from revealing specific strategies to avoid giving Paraguay’s coach an advantage.

Deniz Undav, who has emerged as one of the standout performers of the tournament, could play a significant role in this match. Despite scoring three goals thus far, Undav currently holds the top spot in the FIFA Power Ranking among forwards, surpassing both Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé. His efficiency in front of goal—scoring within less than 30 minutes per goal—has earned him recognition as the most effective attacker of the tournament. Undav has been used primarily as a substitute up to this point, but his inclusion in the starting lineup could provide Germany with a decisive edge.

Paraguay, led by Argentine coach Gustavo Alfaro, known as “El Profesor” for his deep analytical approach to the game, presents a formidable challenge. After a disastrous exit from the Copa América two years prior, Paraguay has undergone a transformation under Alfaro’s leadership. The team secured qualification for the World Cup for the first time since 2010, reaching the knockout stages as one of the eight best third-place finishers from the group phase. Their defensive solidity has been a notable strength, evidenced by their clean sheet against Turkey and Australia during the group stage.

Despite their recent success, Paraguay faces a daunting task against Germany, whom many consider strong favorites. Alfaro acknowledged the difficulty of facing Germany but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete. He emphasized the importance of motivation and effort, stating that Paraguay would give their all on the field. Captain Gustavo Gómez echoed this sentiment, highlighting the team’s identity centered around resilience and fighting spirit.

Public scrutiny has intensified for the German team, particularly after the defeat to Ecuador. Former England international Gary Lineker criticized the current German squad, calling it one of the weakest he had ever seen. He pointed out that Germany failed to progress beyond the group stage in the last two World Cups, suggesting that the team is overly reliant on past successes. Lineker’s comments were met with indifference by some members of the German camp, including Kai Havertz, who remains focused on continuing his impressive goal-scoring streak in major matches.

Havertz, who has scored in both Champions League finals for Chelsea and Arsenal, aims to extend his record of scoring in World Cup matches. He believes self-belief and confidence in his abilities are key to performing well in high-stakes games. As the sole player in the German squad with previous World Cup goals, Havertz sees this match as a defining moment in his career.

The German team’s preparation for the match has followed a structured routine, beginning with breakfast at the team hotel, followed by sessions on set pieces and light activation exercises. The final pre-match meal and briefing took place before traveling to the stadium. The return journey back to Winston-Salem is planned for 21:30 after the match concludes.

With the pressure mounting, the German team must now deliver a performance that silences critics and secures their place in the next round. Whether through tactical adjustments, the inclusion of key players like Undav, or the continued efforts of experienced figures such as Havertz, the outcome of this match will determine Germany’s trajectory in the 2026 World Cup.