Paraguay vs Australia Lineups, Prediction, Betting Tips & Odds

Paraguay vs Australia Match Summary

It all comes down to this in Group D. Paraguay host Australia in California with a place in the Round of 32 hanging in the balance for both sides.

Paraguay bounced back from a heavy opening loss to the United States by grinding out a 1-0 win over Türkiye, and now they must win to guarantee their progress.

Australia beat Türkiye 2-0 before losing by the same scoreline to the co-hosts. Sat on three points with a better goal difference, a draw could be enough for them.

There is no history of note between these two at a World Cup, and the contrasting permutations should make for a tense, edgy fixture in the Bay Area.

Paraguay vs Australia Form

Paraguay built their qualifying run on home strength, beating Uruguay and famously seeing off Argentina in Asuncion. They boasted the best defensive record in CONMEBOL, conceding just ten across eighteen outings. Matias Galarza struck the winner against Türkiye, with Julio Enciso pulling the strings, though they remain stubborn rather than free-scoring.

Australia hammered Indonesia and saw off China during their AFC qualifying campaign, then opened this tournament with a sharp 2-0 win over Türkiye before a 2-0 loss to the United States. Young winger Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe both found the net against the Turks, giving the Socceroos a direct, energetic edge.

Paraguay vs Australia Lineups & Team News

Injuries & Suspensions

Paraguay: Miguel Almiron (Suspended)

Australia: Mathew Leckie (Injured/doubtful)

Paraguay

Paraguay are without the suspended Miguel Almiron after his sending off against Türkiye, a blow to their engine room. Diego Gomez and Matias Galarza should both shake off knocks to keep their places, with Mauricio expected to step in for Almiron.

Australia

Veteran Mathew Leckie picked up a knock against the United States and is a doubt for this one. Nestory Irankunda is in line to come in on the right if Leckie misses out, while Mo Toure should continue as the lone striker up top.

Paraguay vs Australia Predicted Lineup

Paraguay

Formation: 4-4-2

Predicted Starting Lineup: O. Gill; J. J. Caceres, O. Alderete, G. Gomez, J. Alonso; Mauricio, A. Cubas, D. Gomez, M. Galarza; I. Pitta, J. Enciso. Substitutes: To be confirmed.

Australia

Formation: 5-4-1

Predicted Starting Lineup: P. Beach; J. Italiano, H. Souttar, A. Circati, C. Burgess, J. Bos; N. Irankunda, A. O'Neill, P. Okon-Engstler, N. Velupillay; M. Toure. Substitutes: To be confirmed.

Paraguay vs Australia Key Stats & Match Facts

• The three previous meetings between these sides produced two draws and one Australia win, with Paraguay yet to beat the Socceroos.

• Australia carry a better goal difference into the final round, meaning a draw could be enough to see them through while Paraguay must chase a win.

• Paraguay's win over Türkiye came with just 22% possession, underlining how willing they are to defend deep and stay compact.

• Across their two group games, Australia have managed six shots on target compared to Paraguay's three, showing the sharper cutting edge so far.

• Matias Galarza scored after just 64 seconds against Türkiye, the fastest goal of the tournament to that point.

Paraguay vs Australia Prediction & Best Bets

Our prediction: This shapes up as a tight, cagey affair between two evenly matched sides. The numbers point to a low-scoring contest with the home side just shaded as favourites, so we are calling it a 1-1 draw.

Best Bets

With the projected total sitting close to two goals and both these sides happy to keep things tight, Under 2.5 Goals at 2/5 with Spreadex makes plenty of sense as the anchor pick.

Paraguay are tipped to edge this one if anyone does, and as the named favourites at 2/1 with AK Bets there is a fair bit of value in backing the hosts to take all three points.

Paraguay vs Australia Bet Builder

Australian To Win

Australia have won five of their last six internationals and continue to exceed expectations under Tony Popovic. The Socceroos opened their World Cup campaign with an impressive 2-0 victory over Turkey before falling to a strong United States side in their second group match. Despite that defeat, qualification remains firmly in their hands heading into the final round of fixtures. Australia's defensive organisation and ability to strike on the counter have been key strengths throughout the tournament, and they now face a Paraguay side that may feel the pressure with progression on the line. With recent form firmly in their favour, Australia look capable of getting the job done.

Diego Gomez Over 1.5 Tackles

Diego Gomez has cleared this line in both of Paraguay's World Cup matches and continues to be one of the most active midfielders in Gustavo Alfaro's system. The Brighton midfielder averaged around 2.4 tackles per game during the Premier League season and regularly contributes defensively despite his attacking qualities. Gomez covers significant ground in midfield, presses aggressively and is often tasked with disrupting opposition transitions. In a match expected to feature plenty of midfield battles, his tackling numbers should once again come into play.

Nestory Irankunda - To Score Or Assist

Nestory Irankunda remains one of Australia's most dangerous attacking weapons and has the ability to produce a decisive moment on the biggest stage. The Watford winger enjoyed an excellent Championship campaign, recording 4 goals and 4 assists, while his pace and direct running make him a constant threat in transition.

Irankunda has already shown flashes of his quality for the national team in 2026 and ranks among Australia's leading attacking performers heading into the final group game. With Australia likely to attack a Paraguay side that must also chase qualification, the game could open up perfectly for his strengths.

Best odds available of 8/1 at bet365 while publishing. Make sure to get the best odds on your Bet Builder with Oddschecker's Exclusive Bet Builder Comparison Tool.

Paraguay vs Australia Talking Points

The big subplot is Paraguay coping without the suspended Miguel Almiron, who was sent off against Türkiye, leaving Julio Enciso to shoulder the creative load. Australia, meanwhile, must finally shrug off their long wait for a World Cup win over South American opposition, having never beaten a CONMEBOL side at the finals. Young goalkeeper Patrick Beach has been a revelation between the posts for the Socceroos, and his form could prove decisive in a fixture where margins look razor thin.

Paraguay vs Australia Predictions FAQs

When is the Paraguay vs Australia World Cup 2026 game?

The Paraguay vs Australia match is scheduled to kick off on Friday 26 June 2026 at 03:00 UK time.

What is the prediction for Paraguay vs Australia?

Our prediction and betting tips point towards a closely fought encounter with potential for goals from both sides.

Where can I find Paraguay vs Australia lineups?

Confirmed lineups and team news for Paraguay vs Australia will be available shortly before kick-off on Friday.

What are the latest betting odds for Paraguay vs Australia?

The latest match odds and bet builder options for Paraguay vs Australia are available on major sportsbooks ahead of kick-off.

Disclaimer

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