FIFA World Cup 2026 \u00b7 Group D \u00b7 Round 3<\/strong> <\/p>\n Paraguay (4th in Group D, 0 pts) vs Australia (2nd\/3rd in Group D, 3 pts) \u2014 knockout qualification on the line for the Socceroos.<\/p>\n With co-hosts USA already through as group winners, Group D’s final round comes down to who joins them in the Round of 32. Australia hold the edge \u2014 a win or even a draw should be enough to confirm their spot \u2014 while Paraguay, already pointless after two matches, need a win and a slice of luck elsewhere just to sneak through as one of the best third-placed teams. It’s a contrast in stakes that should still produce a tense, high-intensity finale in the Bay Area.<\/p>\n Australia’s Target<\/strong> Paraguay’s Target<\/strong> Group Picture<\/strong> \ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddfa Nestory Irankunda<\/strong> \u2014 Scored the opener in Australia’s opening win over Turkiye<\/em> \ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddfa Connor Metcalfe<\/strong> \u2014 Doubled Australia’s lead vs Turkiye with a strike from outside the box<\/em> \ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddfa Mathew Ryan<\/strong> \u2014 Veteran goalkeeper, over 100 caps<\/em> \ud83c\uddf5\ud83c\uddfe Mat\u00edas Galarza<\/strong> \u2014 Scored the fastest goal of the tournament so far, inside 64 seconds, vs Turkiye<\/em> \ud83c\uddf5\ud83c\uddfe Dami\u00e1n Bobadilla \/ Mauricio<\/strong> \u2014 Involved in Paraguay’s opening defeat to the USA<\/em> \ud83c\uddf5\ud83c\uddfe Paraguay<\/strong><\/p>\n \ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddfa Australia<\/strong><\/p>\n Paraguay 1 \u2013 1 Australia<\/strong> Australia know a draw is enough, which could lead to a more conservative approach, while Paraguay’s desperation for a win could open up the game. A tight, cagey contest with chances at both ends looks the most likely outcome, with the Socceroos doing just enough to avoid defeat.<\/p>\n 1. Draw<\/a> \u2014 around +120 to +225<\/strong>
\n\ud83d\udccd Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
\n\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f Thursday, 25 June \u00b7 10:00 PM ET (Friday, 26 June \u00b7 12:00 PM AEST)<\/p>\nIntro<\/h3>\n
What’s at Stake<\/h3>\n
\nSitting on three points, the Socceroos need only a draw to all but guarantee progress to the knockout rounds, with a win locking it up outright regardless of other results.<\/p>\n
\nBottom of the group with zero points from two defeats, Paraguay’s only realistic path is a win combined with favourable results across the other groups to sneak in among the third-placed qualifiers.<\/p>\n
\nThe USA have already wrapped up top spot in the group, leaving this fixture to settle who finishes second.<\/p>\nThe Tactical Battlefield<\/h3>\n
\ud83c\uddf5\ud83c\uddfe Paraguay \u2014 Formation: 4-4-2<\/h4>\n
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\ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddfa Australia \u2014 Formation: 4-3-3<\/h4>\n
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Players to Watch<\/h3>\n
\nHis pace and ability to cut in from the left were central to the Socceroos’ surprise victory in the tournament opener.<\/p>\n
\nA reliable presence in midfield who has shown he can also contribute going forward.<\/p>\n
\nA hugely experienced figure between the posts, even after being left out of the side’s opening game in favour of a younger option.<\/p>\n
\nParaguay’s most dangerous attacking outlet and their best hope of an early breakthrough.<\/p>\n
\nParaguay’s attacking unit will need to find more consistency after a difficult opening two matches.<\/p>\nRecent Form (Group Stage)<\/h3>\n
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\n \nOpponent<\/th>\n Score<\/th>\n Result<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n United States<\/td>\n 1\u20134<\/td>\n L<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n T\u00fcrkiye<\/td>\n 0\u20131<\/td>\n L<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n \n\n
\n \nOpponent<\/th>\n Score<\/th>\n Result<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n T\u00fcrkiye<\/td>\n 2\u20130<\/td>\n W<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n United States<\/td>\n 0\u20132<\/td>\n L<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n Our Call<\/h3>\n
\nOdds (moneyline approx.): Paraguay +195 to +225 \u00b7 Draw +120 to +225 \u00b7 Australia favoured around -160 to -165<\/p>\nBetting Tips<\/h3>\n
\nWith Australia content with a point and Paraguay needing a win but lacking the firepower shown so far, a stalemate is a live possibility and offers solid value.<\/p>\n