Paraguay take on Australia in the 2026 World Cup on Friday at 3am (UK time), with both sides searching for the win they need to qualify for the next round.
Paraguay head into Friday’s match in Santa Clara having bounced back brilliantly from their opening 4-1 defeat to the United States. Alfaro’s side kept a clean sheet to beat Turkey 1-0 on Matchday 2 – with Matías Galarza breaking the deadlock in the second minute – before defending superbly with ten men after Miguel Almirón received a straight red card before half-time. Three points here secures their place in the knockout round.
Australia’s 2-0 defeat to the United States underlined the gap at the top of Group D, but Popovic’s side showed they can compete against sides of similar standing. Their 2-0 win over Turkey on Matchday 1 remains the foundation of their campaign, and three points in Santa Clara would guarantee their place in the Round of 32 – regardless of other results. This match effectively serves as a knockout tie with both sides desperate for victory.
The two nations have met three times previously, with Australia claiming the most recent encounter – a 1-0 friendly win in 2010. Their overall head-to-head record is closely matched, making this a genuinely difficult fixture to call.
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Paraguay vs Australia team news
Paraguay team news
There is one crucial, and significant, absentee for Paraguay ahead of this fixture. Miguel Almiron serves an automatic one-match suspension following his straight red card against Turkey.
Alfaro must reshuffle his attacking midfield entirely in Almiron’s absence. Mauricio looks the most likely candidate to replace him in the starting XI, having scored Paraguay’s consolation against the United States on Matchday 1. Diego Gomez and Matias Galarza both carry knocks but should shake them off to retain their starting berths in central midfield. Galarza is particularly important – his second-minute strike against Turkey showed his capacity to deliver in the biggest moments.
The defensive unit looks settled, with Gustavo Gomez and Omar Alderete continuing as the central defensive partnership in front of goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Juan Caceres retains his right-back role, with Junior Alonso on the left. Julio Enciso carries the primary attacking responsibility in Almiron’s absence – the Strasbourg forward must step up on the biggest night of Paraguay’s tournament.
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Australia team news
Australia carry one significant fitness concern into Friday’s decider. Mathew Leckie suffered a muscle issue against the United States on Matchday 2. He has not been ruled out entirely, but Popovic faces a genuine dilemma over whether to risk him.
Popovic may choose to rest Leckie ahead of the Round of 32. This would mean Cristian Volpato would likely come into the starting XI in his place. That decision shapes the entire attacking lineup. Popovic admitted he regretted dropping Nestory Irankunda against the United States. The 20-year-old Watford forward should start from the off on Friday.
Aiden O’Neill and Paul Okon-Engstler have started both of Australia’s World Cup matches. They will retain their midfield berths and provide the base for the attac. Patrick Beach keeps his place in goal, protected by a back three of Alessandro Circati, Harry Souttar and Cameron Burgess, with Jacob Italiano and Jordan Bos operating as wing-backs. Mohamed Toure continues as the central striker, with Irankunda and Volpato providing the wide threat.
Paraguay vs Australia predicted lineups
Paraguay (4-4-2): Gill; Caceres, G. Gomez, Alderete, Alonso; D. Gomez, Cubas, Galarza, Sosa; Mauricio, Enciso.
Australia (3-4-3): Beach; Circati, Souttar, Burgess; Italiano, O’Neill, Okon-Engstler, Bos; Irankunda, Toure, Volpato
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