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Rabat – Paraguay takes on Australia tonight at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara in a high-stakes Group D encounter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Both teams enter the final round of group matches level on three points. Australia opened with a 2-0 victory over Turkey before falling 2-0 to the USA, while Paraguay bounced back from a 4-1 opening-day defeat against the Americans to shut out Turkey 2-0.
A victory for either team guarantees an automatic second-place finish and a ticket to the Round of 32, while a draw could leave advancement down to goal difference or third-place card rankings.
Match details
- Fixture: Paraguay vs Australia
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group D, Matchday 3
- Venue: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Santa Clara
- Date: Thursday, June 25 / Friday, June 26, 2026 Moroccan time Â
- Kick-off: 7:00 p.m. local time (PT) / 2:00 a.m. GMT (Friday) / 03:00 a.m. Moroccan timeÂ
- How to watch: SBS in Australia; Tigo Sports in Paraguay; FOX Sports in the USA; beIN Sports in MENA
Paraguay team news
Injuries/suspensions
Paraguay reports a clean bill of health, leaving head coach Gustavo Alfaro with a full squad available for selection.
Recent form
After a defensive collapse against the USA, La Albirroja put on a masterclass in resilience during their 2-0 win over Turkey. Alfaro has drilled his side to remain compact and look for opportunities on the break.
Key players
Brighton’s Julio Enciso is the creative heartbeat of the team, while striker Antonio Sanabria provides a consistent physical presence up front. Miguel Almirón’s pace on the wing will be vital.
Likely XI
Gatito Fernández; Velázquez, Gómez, Alderete, Alonso; Cubas, Villasanti; Almirón, Enciso, Sosa; Sanabria.
Australia team news
Injuries/suspensions
The Socceroos have no players suspended or sidelined with fresh injuries, though defender Cameron Burgess will be looking to redeem himself after an own goal against the USA.
Recent form
Australia looked sharp in their opening 2-0 win over Turkey but lacked a clinical edge in their subsequent 2-0 loss to the USA. Head coach Tony Popovic has challenged his players to be much more ruthless in the final third.
Key players
Towering defender Harry Souttar is indispensable on set pieces, while young winger Nestory Irankunda offers explosive pace off the flank. Craig Goodwin provides elite crossing and veteran experience.
Likely XI
Beach; Italiano, Circati, Souttar, Burgess, Bos; McGlynn, O’Neill, Irvine, Goodwin; Duke.
What to expect
This will be a tactically intense, physical battle between two sides completely desperate for a result. Australia will likely look to control the tempo through possession and aerial dominance, but Paraguay’s rapid transition speed and flair in wide areas could break this open.
Prediction: Paraguay 1-1 Australia.
