Paraguay
Australia
>Paraguay vs Australia Predictions, Picks & Odds – 26/06/2026
World Cup · 3Paraguay vs Australia – Best bets of the match
Paraguay vs Australia Preview
Paraguay return to the World Cup stage after a 16-year absence, carrying the weight of a nation's expectation to match or surpass their memorable 2010 quarter-final run. Their recent form reads as inconsistent, alternating between wins and losses across their last four outings. Gustavo Alfaro's side showed attacking firepower in a 4-0 friendly demolition of Nicaragua, though he rotated heavily. The potential absence of Julio Enciso could significantly blunt their creative edge.
Australia arrive in California brimming with confidence after a superb 2-0 victory over Turkey in their Group D opener. Goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe headlined that performance, while goalkeeper Patrick Beach produced eight saves. Tony Popovic's squad blends tournament veterans like captain Mat Ryan with 17 World Cup debutants. Their recent five-match sequence has been strong, conceding remarkably few goals, and that defensive solidity makes them a serious threat here.
Australia's recent form provides the strongest argument for backing the X2 outcome here. Across their last five matches, the Socceroos conceded a remarkably low average of 0.6 goals per game, and that defensive solidity was on full display when they beat Turkey 2-0 in their Group D opener. Patrick Beach produced eight saves in that match alone, underlining the quality behind this backline.
Paraguay, by contrast, have oscillated wildly through a loss-win-loss-win sequence that offers little confidence in consistency. Gustavo Alfaro rotated heavily during their 4-0 friendly win over Nicaragua, making it difficult to gauge his strongest XI. The potential absence of Julio Enciso would strip Paraguay of their most creative outlet, further tilting the balance away from the South Americans.
The draw at 3.25 and the away win at 3.45 both hold value given Australia's superior defensive record and tournament momentum. With 17 debutants balanced by the experience of captain Mat Ryan at his fourth World Cup, Tony Popovic's squad blends freshness with composure. Backing X2 captures both realistic scenarios for a side that has already proven it can compete at this level.
Trends to Know about Paraguay vs Australia
- Australia concede just 0.6 goals per match
- Paraguay's form inconsistent with alternating results
- Socceroos beat Turkey 2-0 in opener
Form & Statistics: Paraguay vs Australia
Paraguay
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Australia
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Lineups: Paraguay vs Australia
Paraguay
Starters
- 1 Roberto Fernandez
- 2 Juan Caceres
- 3 Omar Alderete
- 4 Gustavo Gomez
- 5 Junior Alonso
- 6 Damián Bobadilla
- 7 Andres Cubas
- 8 Miguel Almiron
- 9 Diego Gomez
- 10 Matías Galarza
- 11 Antonio Sanabria
Australia
Starters
- 1 Mathew Ryan
- 2 Jacob Italiano
- 3 Alessandro Circati
- 4 Harry Souttar
- 5 Lucas Herrington
- 6 Jordan Bos
- 7 Connor Metcalfe
- 8 Jackson Irvine
- 9 Aiden O'Neill
- 10 Mathew Leckie
- 11 Mohamed Toure
Absent
- Lewis Miller (Achilles injury, confirmed in February 2026, with an expected nine-month recovery period.)
- Riley McGree (Hamstring injury sustained in late May 2026, ruling him out of the World Cup due to insufficient recovery time.)
- Nick D'Agostino (Leg injury suffered in training, leading to his departure from the pre-camp in late May 2026.)
Low confidence
Paraguay's speculated 4-2-3-1 carries a confidence caveat, adjusted around Enciso's absence, while Australia's 5-4-1 comes from a more reliable source ahead of this crucial World Cup group-stage clash. The asymmetry is worth keeping in mind before treating either shape as settled.
Tactically, the contrast is sharp: Paraguay look to push through Miguel Almiron in the attacking midfield pocket, while Australia's five-man defensive block, anchored by Harry Souttar and Alessandro Circati, is clearly built to absorb pressure and frustrate on the counter through Mathew Leckie.
How to Watch Paraguay vs Australia Match?
What time is Paraguay vs Australia?
Paraguay vs Australia kicks off at 07:30 IST on 26th June 2026 at Levi's Stadium.
Where is Paraguay vs Australia being played?
This match takes place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, part of the 2026 World Cup venue roster.
How Can I Watch Paraguay vs Australia on TV and Live Stream?
This match will be broadcast on JioCinema and Sports18 for viewers across India.