Second place in Group D is on the line when Paraguay lock horns with Australia at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara for matchday three of the 2026 World Cup on June 26.
Both sides are level on three points, although Australia currently sits second, thanks to a superior goal difference, with Paraguay just behind in third. Gustavo Alfaro’s Paraguay kicked off their World Cup campaign with a heavy 4-1 defeat to the USA, but responded strongly on matchday two with a narrow 1-0 win over Turkiye. Meanwhile, Tony Popovic’s Australia side started with a 2-0 success over Turkiye, but were pulled back to earth by the USA who beat them 2-0.
Superior goal difference means a draw will be enough for the Socceroos to advance to the knockout rounds, meaning Los Guaraníes need a win if they are to guarantee progression.
Paraguay vs Australia
Team News
Paraguay are without the suspended Miguel Almiron, who was sent off just before the interval against Turkiye. Ramon Sosa and Gustavo Caballero are deemed doubtful, so Gustavo Alfaro will be forced to make changes to his side.
As for Australia, Tony Popovic was handed a fresh injury blow heading into the crucial group-stage encounter. Jacob Italiano picked up an adductor injury in training this week and will miss the Group D finale, joining the winger Mathew Leckie, who suffered a hamstring strain against the USA. Like Alfaro, Popovic will be forced to make changes to his XI.
Paraguay vs Australia
Predicted Lineups
Predicted Paraguay lineup (4-4-2): Orlando Gill; Junior Alonso, Omar Alderete, Gustavo Gómez, Juan Cáceres; Matías Galarza, Andrés Cubas, Damián Bobadilla, Diego Gómez; Julio Enciso, Antonio Sanabria
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Predicted Australia lineup (5-4-1): Patrick Beach; Jordan Bos, Cameron Burgess, Alessandro Circati, Harry Souttar, Jason Geria; Nestory Irankunda, Aiden O’Neill, Paul Okon, Conor Metcalfe; Mohamed Toure
Paraguay vs Australia
Odds
The odds are highly stacked towards a draw. There is a 43% chance of a stalemate, with both teams evenly matched. Paraguay have been given a 34% chance to grab the points and claim the second place, while Australia are pegged at 25% to win the contest.
Paraguay vs Australia
Prediction
Both teams have attacking flair, though both are vulnerable at the back. Paraguay will look to control the ball and expect the likes of Enciso, Gomez and Galarza to find Sanabria in promising positions in the final third. The quartet can cause all kinds of problems for the Socceroos defence.
Australia are expected to deploy a back five, sit compact and organised, and rely on Irankunda and Toure for counter-attacks. Hitting the South American side in transitional play will be their agenda, whilst not allowing their opposition’s creative talents to flourish. All in all, an entertaining draw looks the likely outcome.
