Both sides sit on three points with one game left. A win guarantees knockout football; a draw could be enough depending on other results. Everything to play for.
Summary
Group D reaches its climax as Paraguay and Australia meet at a neutral venue in what is effectively a knockout match. Both teams have three points from two games, but the Socceroos hold a superior goal difference. Victory for either side ensures progression to the Round of 16, while a draw could still see one of them through if the other group result falls favourably. The stakes could not be higher.
Paraguay opened with a gritty 1-0 win over Turkey but were then dismantled 4-1 by the United States. Australia suffered a 2-0 defeat to the USA in their opener before bouncing back with a 2-0 win against Turkey. Both sides have shown resilience and vulnerability, setting up a fascinating tactical battle.
Team News & Form
Paraguay boss Guillermo Barros Schelotto is likely to stick with a 4-4-2 shape, relying on the physicality of Miguel Almirón and the aerial threat of Antonio Sanabria. The defence, which conceded four against the USA, will need to be more compact. Key midfielder Mathías Villasanti is expected to start after a solid display against Turkey.
Australia, under Graham Arnold, favour a 4-3-3 that transitions into a 4-5-1 without the ball. The return of Harry Souttar from suspension would bolster the backline. In attack, Mitch Duke's hold-up play and Ajdin Hrustic's creativity will be crucial. The Socceroos will be without injured winger Martin Boyle.
Key Players
Miguel Almirón (Paraguay) – The Newcastle United winger is Paraguay's main creative outlet. His pace and direct running can trouble any defence. He scored the winner against Turkey and will look to exploit Australia's full-backs.
Ajdin Hrustic (Australia) – The Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder is the heartbeat of the Socceroos. His vision and passing range allow Australia to transition quickly. He set up both goals against Turkey and will be the key to unlocking Paraguay's defence.
Predicted Lineups
Paraguay: Silva; Rojas, Gómez, Balbuena, Espinoza; Almirón, Villasanti, Cubas, Romero; Sanabria, Ávalos.
Australia: Ryan; Karacic, Souttar, Rowles, Behich; Irvine, Mooy, Hrustic; Mabil, Duke, Goodwin.
Key Battles
Gustavo Gómez vs Mitch Duke – The Palmeiras centre-back is strong in the air but can be caught out of position. Duke's relentless running and physicality could cause problems. If Duke occupies both centre-backs, space may open for Hrustic.
Miguel Almirón vs Aziz Behich – Almirón's dribbling vs Behich's tenacity. The Australian left-back has struggled against pace, so Almirón will target him. Behich will need support from the midfield to avoid being isolated.
Head-to-Head
These sides have met only once before, a 2018 friendly that ended 1-1. Paraguay's style is traditionally more South American, while Australia's physical, direct approach often unsettles Latin American teams. The lack of recent competitive history adds an element of the unknown.
Score Prediction
This is a tight match to call. Paraguay have the individual quality but Australia have shown better team cohesion. Expect a tense, tactical affair with few clear chances. A draw is a distinct possibility, but Australia's greater tournament experience may just edge it. Prediction: Paraguay 1-2 Australia
Where to Watch
Kick-off is at 02:00 UTC on 26 June 2026. Broadcast details will be confirmed closer to the match. Check local listings for live coverage.
