Paraguay and Australia face off in the third round of the World Cup 2026 group stage. This crucial match kicks off on Friday, 26 June at 3 AM (BST) at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Both teams enter this pivotal encounter with identical records, having secured one win and one loss from their initial two games. Therefore, this prediction for Paraguay vs. Australia highlights a closely contested battle, as a spot in the knockout stages hangs in the balance for both nations.
Find out where to watch the match and what our expert predictions are, as well as the expected lineups for today’s encounter.
Match Overview - Paraguay vs. Australia
- Paraguay enters this final group stage match after securing a 1-0 victory over Turkey. This important win gives them momentum in the World Cup 2026.
- Australia needs to recover from a 2-0 defeat against the USA in their previous game. The Socceroos aim for a strong performance in this crucial World Cup 2026 fixture.
- This marks the fourth encounter between Paraguay and Australia, as the teams have played three friendly games previously. The match promises an intriguing contest as both teams look to make their mark in the competition.
Head-to-Head Record
- This will be the fourth match between Paraguay and Australia.
- In their last 21 matches, Paraguay have recorded 10 wins and six draws.
- Australia share a similar record over their last 21 games, with 11 wins and four draws.
- Paraguay’s two World Cup matches have seen an average of 3.0 goals per game.
- Australia’s fixtures in the tournament have featured an average of 2.0 goals.
- Paraguay: Julio Enciso has been a key playmaker, with two assists in two games.
- Australia: Connor Metcalfe and Nestory Irankunda have each scored one goal in the competition.
Paraguay's Path to the Knockouts
Paraguay recovered from an initial 4-1 defeat to the USA with a vital 1-0 victory over Turkey, earning them three points in the World Cup group stage. This demonstrates their resilience despite some defensive vulnerabilities.
Their recent overall form has been inconsistent, recording five wins in their last ten matches across all competitions. Midfielder Julio Enciso, a key player in the World Cup, has provided two assists and will be crucial for creating chances.
Other forwards must now increase their contribution in this decisive match, which will determine their progression to the knockout stages.
Australia's Quest for Qualification
Australia faces a pivotal match after a 2-0 loss to the USA in the World Cup, following an initial 2-0 win against Turkey. With three points, their qualification hopes hinge on this final group stage game.
Overall, Australia’s form has been inconsistent, with five losses in their last nine games across all competitions. This vulnerability could be exploited, so the Socceroos must deliver a strong performance to advance.
While Italiano and Leckie will miss the match, midfielder Connor Metcalfe and attacker Nestory Irankunda, each with one World Cup goal, are vital for Australia’s attacking output. Their scoring ability will be crucial for a positive outcome.
Paraguay vs. Australia Prediction: Hosts to avoid defeat
Paraguay carries momentum from a recent victory, while Australia seeks to rebound from a loss. Given the high stakes, a cautious and defensive match is expected. This makes "Goals – Over/Under – Half Time – -1.5" a plausible betting option.
The pressure of qualification could lead to a cagey opening, as neither side wants an early setback. With both teams potentially cancelling each other out, "Game – Money Line – Half Time – X" is a strong possibility.
Considering Paraguay’s recent win and Australia’s inconsistent form, Paraguay appears better positioned to secure a result. Therefore, our main prediction is for "Game – Double Chance – Full Time – 1X", covering a win or a draw for the hosts.
  | ||
| Best Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over/Under | Under 1.5 goals in the first half | |
| Money Line | Draw at Half Time | |
The odds mentioned were collected during the writing of this prediction and may change. Always check with the bookmaker for the latest information.
| ||
| Best Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over/Under | Under 1.5 goals in the first half | |
| Money Line | Draw at Half Time | |
Where to Watch Paraguay vs. Australia
For those wondering where to watch Paraguay vs. Australia, unfortunately, there is no broadcast scheduled for this match.
- TV: ITV 4 (Gbr), ITV X (Gbr)
- Streaming: BBC Radio 5 Live (Gbr)
Paraguay vs. Australia Predicted Lineups
As we look ahead to this World Cup 2026 group stage clash, the predicted lineups offer a glimpse into each team’s strategy. The probable Paraguay lineup suggests an approach designed to control the game from the outset. Meanwhile, the expected Australia lineup will likely focus on finding the right balance between defensive stability and creating attacking opportunities. Both sides know that the tactical decisions made here could be decisive for their ambitions in the competition.
Paraguay
Gill; G. Gómez, Cáceres, Alonso, Alderete; Cubas, D. Gómez, Galarza, Mauricio; Ávalos, Enciso.
Manager: Gustavo Alfaro.
Australia
Beach; Geria, Circati, Burgess, Souttar, Bos; Okon-Engstler, Metcalfe, O’Neill, Irankunda; Toure.
Manager: Tony Popovic.
Match Details
Here are the match details:
- Match: Paraguay vs. Australia
- Competition: World Cup 2026
- Date: 26/06/2026
- Kick-off: 3 AM (BST)
- Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA, United States
- Broadcast: ITV 4 (Gbr), BBC Radio 5 Live (Gbr), ITV X (Gbr)
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