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With a second place finish in Group D still at stake, Paraguay and Australia will lock horns in the final group stage game of the 2026 World Cup at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, on Friday.
Paraguay suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of the United States in their opening game, but bounced back in their second game, defeating Turkiye.
The Socceroos, on the other hand, remarkably began their World Cup campaign, defying all odds to claim a victory over Turkiye, but fell to a defeat in their second game against the USA.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Paraguay vs. Australia key stats
- Paraguay have failed to keep a clean sheet in five of their last 10 games across all competitions.
- Australia have only lost twice in their last six international games across all competitions.
- Australia have scored in four of their last six international games across all competitions.
Paraguay vs. Australia preview: Qualification at stake for both countries
| Paraguay | vs | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| 41st | FIFA Ranking | 27th |
| Miguel Almiron (78) | Most Caps | Mathew Ryan (104) |
| Miguel Almiron (10) | Most Goals | Jackson Irvine/Mathew Leckie (14) |
| 722 | Total Caps | 766 |
| 55 | Total Goals | 76 |
| 0 | Uncapped Players | 0 |
Everything is on the line as Paraguay and Australia battle for an automatic qualification spot on the final matchday.
With the United States already confirmed as group winners and Turkey eliminated, this decisive encounter will determine who joins the Americans in the knockout stage and earns a last-32 clash against the runners-up from Group G.
Paraguay, whose odds in our World Cup betting guide have improved following their impressive 1-0 victory over Turkiye in Group D, head into the game aiming to reach the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time since 2010
They could also achieve a notable milestone by recording two group-stage victories at the World Cup for the first time in their history.
Their record in final group matches is particularly encouraging, having gone unbeaten in their last six World Cup Matchday 3 fixtures, winning three and drawing three.
Australia, meanwhile, saw their impressive ten-match unbeaten competitive run come to an end with a 2-0 defeat to group leaders USA.
The Socceroos struggled to create chances in that match, managing only two efforts on target. That result showed an issue in their attack, as they have scored more than once in only two of their last ten matches.
Across that period, Australia have suffered five defeats, raising concerns about their ability to break down strong opposition.
Tony Popovic's side still have everything to play for, however, as they seek to qualify from the World Cup group stage.
However, Australia will also have to overcome an unwanted statistic, having never defeated a South American nation at a World Cup finals tournament.
With a place in the knockout stage at stake, expect a tense and hard-fought battle where fine margins could decide which nation keeps their World Cup dream alive.
Paraguay vs. Australia form guide & betting tips
| Paraguay | vs | Australia |
|---|---|---|
WLWLW |
Form | WLDWL |
| 8 | Goals For | 8 |
| 6 | Goals Against | 5 |
LW |
World Cup | WL |
Whispers predicts: Paraguay 1-1 Australia
Australia have dominated their previous friendly meetings against Paraguay, and we have tipped them not to lose this encounter.
However, based on their performance against Turkey, we cannot rule out Paraguay causing an upset.
The bookmakers have tipped Paraguay as the favourites to win at 23/20 (2.15), and a draw is currently valued at 9/4 (3.25).
Australia to win is priced at 12/5 (3.40), offering a tempting return. In addition to the primary outcomes, the odds for under 2.5 goals are set at 4/7 (1.57).
A first half draw in this game is valued at 21/20 (2.05), while Australia's double chance is given at 4/6 (1.67) and both teams to score is at 19/20 (1.95).
> Australia double chance at 4/6 (1.67) | Likelihood: Possible
> Under 2.5 goals at 4/7 (1.57) | Likelihood: Possible
> First half draw at 21/20 (2.05) | Likelihood: Probable
> Both teams to score at 19/20 (1.95) | Likelihood: Probable