Paraguay will face Australia in their final Group D match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in San Francisco. This match is a decisive battle for a place in the Round of 32.
Paraguay Team News
Paraguay enter this match in a difficult situation and must win to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
Their Group D campaign has been inconsistent. They suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to the United States in their opening match before bouncing back with a narrow 1-0 win over Turkey, where they showed strong defensive organisation and capitalised early to secure three vital points.
That victory kept their qualification hopes alive, but their inferior goal difference means a draw is unlikely to be enough to progress. Paraguay are expected to rely again on a compact, physical style, prioritising defensive stability while looking for quick transitions to exploit Australia’s back line.
Historically, Paraguay have built their identity on defensive discipline, often conceding very few goals in qualification phases, but struggling to convert chances at the other end — a pattern that has continued in this tournament.
Australia Team News
Australia currently sit second in the group, ahead of Paraguay on goal difference. The Socceroos only need a draw to secure their place in the Round of 32.
They started the tournament strongly with a 2-0 win over Turkey before losing by the same scoreline to the United States. Despite that defeat, Australia remain in a better position thanks to their superior goal difference over Paraguay.
Australia’s recent performances suggest a side that is defensively organised but not particularly prolific in attack, meaning they are likely to prioritise game control and game management over pushing aggressively for goals.
Predicted Lineups
Paraguay: Orlando Gill (GK); Juan Jose Caceres, Gustavo Gomez, Omar Alderete, Junior Alonso; Gustavo Velzquez, Andres Cubas, Diego Gomez, Matias Galarza; Isidro Pitta, Julio Enciso.
Australia: Mathew Ryan (GK); Patrick Beach (GK); Alessandro Circati, Harry Souttar, Cameron Burgess; Jacob Italiano, Jordan Bos, Aiden O’Neill, Paul Okon-Enstler; Cristian Volpato, Mohamed Toure, Nestory Irankunda.
Score Prediction
This match is expected to be tightly contested, with both teams playing under different pressures. Australia are likely to rely on their structured defensive system and disciplined approach, while Paraguay must take more risks in search of a win.
Paraguay will depend heavily on Gustavo Gómez to organize their defense, especially against Australia’s quick transitions and attacking movement.
The midfield battle will be crucial. If Australia control possession and tempo, Paraguay may struggle to create clear chances. However, if Paraguay win key duels in midfield, they could put significant pressure on Australia’s back line.
Predicted Score: Paraguay 1-1 Australia
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