Paraguay and Australia in Direct Clash for Second Place, a Draw Could Also See Them Through

Paraguay and Australia are set to clash in a pivotal third Group D match at the 2026 World Cup. The encounter kicks off at 5:00 AM Bulgarian time (10:00 PM ET on the previous day) at Levi's Stadium in San Francisco. Experienced French referee Clément Turpin will officiate the crucial fixture.

This match is a direct showdown for second place, which guarantees a knockout stage berth against the runner-up from Group G. Both Paraguay and Australia currently sit on three points, having defeated Turkey but lost to the USA. The "Socceroos" presently hold the coveted second spot due to a superior goal difference. A draw would also suit both teams, as four points would likely see even the third-placed Paraguayans advance as one of the best third-place finishers.

Paraguay bounced back from a tough 1-4 loss to the USA in their opening match, securing a victory against Turkey despite being a man down. They now have the opportunity to progress to the knockout rounds, a feat they last achieved in 2010. History favors the South Americans, as they haven't lost any of their last six third-round group stage matches at the World Cup (3 wins, 3 draws).

Australia, on the other hand, suffered a 0-2 defeat to the USA in their previous game, ending a ten-match unbeaten streak in official competitions that stretched back to 2024 (6 wins, 4 draws). Coach Tony Popovic will be eager to secure a result that ensures a second consecutive World Cup knockout stage appearance for the first time in their history. However, Australia has never beaten a CONMEBOL team at the World Cup finals (1 draw, 4 losses).

Both teams face minor squad issues. Paraguay's Miguel Almirón will miss the match after being sent off against Turkey, while Mathew Leckie is a doubt for Australia due to injury. This will be the first World Cup meeting between the two nations and their first encounter since 2010, when Australia won a friendly 1-0. That victory extended Australia's unbeaten run against Paraguay to five consecutive matches (2 wins, 3 draws).