- Here is the Paraguay vs Australia prediction article for World Cup 2026 which breaks down form, key players, best odds and H2H meetings ahead of the clash.
- The match will be staged at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Friday June 26
- Kickoff is at 5:00am EAT.
Paraguay and Australia face off in a high-stakes Group D encounter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, with a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 up for grabs.
Both teams head into the final round of group fixtures level on three points, although Australia hold the advantage thanks to a superior goal difference.
With the United States already assured of top spot in the group, this match will likely determine who joins them in the knockout stages.
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Paraguay revived their campaign with a crucial 1-0 victory over Turkey after suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat to the United States. Gustavo Alfaro’s side showed resilience and defensive discipline in that win, but they know another positive result is needed to avoid relying on results elsewhere.
La Albirroja possess plenty of attacking quality through Miguel Almirón, Julio Enciso and Antonio Sanabria. However, their defensive frailties were exposed against the United States, and they will need a much more compact performance against a disciplined Australian side.
Australia began their World Cup campaign with an impressive 2-0 victory over Turkey before falling to a 2-0 defeat against the United States. Despite that setback, Tony Popovic’s men remain in a strong position thanks to their solid defensive structure and healthy goal difference.
The Socceroos have looked well organised throughout the tournament, with experienced figures such as Mathew Ryan, Jackson Irvine and Mathew Leckie providing leadership, while young star Nestory Irankunda has added pace and unpredictability in the final third.
With Paraguay expected to push for victory and Australia comfortable playing on the counter-attack, this promises to be a tense and tactical battle in California.
What time does Paraguay vs Australia start?
Kick-off is scheduled for 5:00am EAT on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California, USA.
Paraguay vs Australia team news
Paraguay have no major injury concerns heading into the match and are expected to field a strong lineup.
Captain Gustavo Gómez will marshal the defence alongside Fabián Balbuena, while Miguel Almirón will be tasked with driving the team forward from midfield. Julio Enciso is expected to play in support of experienced striker Antonio Sanabria as Paraguay search for the goals that could secure qualification.
Australia are also expected to name their strongest available side. Veteran goalkeeper Mathew Ryan will continue between the posts, while Harry Souttar is likely to lead the backline.
Jackson Irvine and Connor Metcalfe should anchor the midfield, with Nestory Irankunda, Mathew Leckie and Awer Mabil providing attacking threat. Irankunda has already found the net in the tournament and will be one of Australia’s key weapons on the break.
Predicted lineups
Paraguay possible starting XI: Fernández; Cáceres, Gómez, Balbuena, Alonso; Sosa, Cubas, Almirón, Gómez; Enciso, Sanabria
Australia possible starting XI: Ryan; Degenek, Souttar, Burgess, Behich; Metcalfe, Irvine, O’Neill; Leckie, Irankunda, Mabil
Paraguay vs Australia head-to-head and current form
Australia have never lost to Paraguay in five previous meetings between the two nations. The Socceroos have recorded two victories and three draws, with the most recent encounter ending in a 1-0 Australian win in 2010.
Paraguay have won three and lost two of their last five matches in all competitions. While they have shown they can grind out results, their heavy defeat against the United States highlighted defensive issues against stronger opposition.
Australia have won two, drawn one and lost two of their previous five matches. Their defensive record remains encouraging, having kept clean sheets against Turkey, China and Japan in recent competitive fixtures.
The Socceroos also hold the psychological edge given their unbeaten record against Paraguay.
Paraguay vs Australia prediction
Paraguay are likely to take the initiative because victory would significantly improve their chances of qualification. That approach could leave spaces in behind for Australia’s quick forwards to exploit on the counter-attack.
The midfield battle between Miguel Almirón and Australia’s energetic pairing of Jackson Irvine and Connor Metcalfe could prove decisive. If Australia can limit Almirón’s influence, they should be able to control the tempo and frustrate Paraguay.
With greater defensive stability, a better goal difference and more tactical flexibility, Australia appear slightly better equipped to handle the pressure of such a crucial fixture.
Expect a cagey contest with few clear-cut opportunities, but Australia’s organisation and counter-attacking threat could make the difference.