{"id":4592,"date":"2026-06-22T21:36:47","date_gmt":"2026-06-22T21:36:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.matteocoachperformance.it\/?p=4592"},"modified":"2026-06-22T21:36:47","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T21:36:47","slug":"paraguay-vs-australia-world-cup-2026-predictions-and-picks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.matteocoachperformance.it\/?p=4592","title":{"rendered":"Paraguay vs Australia World Cup 2026 Predictions and Picks"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><strong>Match<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>Date<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>Kickoff<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>Venue<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>Stage<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>TV (USA)<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Paraguay vs Australia<\/td>\n<td>June 25, 2026<\/td>\n<td>7:00 PM PT<\/td>\n<td>Levi\u2019s Stadium, Santa Clara<\/td>\n<td>Group D, Matchday 3<\/td>\n<td>Fox Sports<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2>Why This Game Matters<\/h2>\n<p>Both Paraguay and Australia arrive at Levi\u2019s Stadium with three points from two games, separated only by goal difference in Group D. A win for either side secures second place behind the already-qualified United States and a place in the round of 16. A draw could also be enough for Australia, who hold the superior goal difference, but Paraguay need the three points to guarantee progression. With Turkey eliminated and the USA confirmed top, this is as close to a knockout game as the group stage gets.<\/p>\n<div class=\"z_78c3449732d1c2 d_77cd8114a8c809\" data-id=\"2780\" data-display=\"1\">\n<div class=\"i_8160e7692ac608\">\n<div class=\"t_3ac78ae4ece113 u_e6be47a70e8e1c\" data-filter-tag-id=\"0\"> POPULAR<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"f_5286bc88405e83\">\n<div class=\"x_53bf2ff39937f4 fifa-2026\" data-id=\"74275\" data-offer-name=\"Betfred \u2013 UK \u2013 Sports\" data-filter-tags=\"[0]\">\n<div class=\"f_7efd426d8727ea\">\n<p>Best World Cup 2026 Welcome Bonus<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"f_bb85ca5c2dcbc9\">\n<div class=\"b_9c22e30c73f29b\">\n<p>                <img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"125\" height=\"60\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.footitalia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/9E176ABAEFDBECD3D83615E4BE.svg\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"125\" height=\"60\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.footitalia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/9E176ABAEFDBECD3D83615E4BE.svg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\n    <span class=\"f_72679cfe1ef0d8\"> 10 <\/span><br \/>\n    <span class=\"x_7a84949be20dbd\"> EXCEPTIONAL <\/span>\n<\/p>\n<p>betfred<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"g_4847664835e49e\">\n<p>betfred<\/p>\n<p>Stake \u00a310 and Get <span>up to 200 Free Spins<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Exclusive live casino tables powered by Playtech<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3><b>Our Pick<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>Australia to win this World Cup group decider, available at +300 with BetOnline. The Socceroos carry a better goal difference and the tactical discipline to contain a Paraguay attack that has been inconsistent at this tournament.<\/p>\n<p><iframe src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/betting-odds-plugin\/h2h\/index.html?fixture=paraguay-vs-australia&amp;theme=121&amp;odds=american\" width=\"100%\" height=\"135\" style=\"border:0\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Paraguay vs Australia odds\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>Paraguay vs Australia: Preview, Picks &amp; Betting Odds<\/h2>\n<p>Sixteen years is a long time to wait. Paraguay last appeared at a World Cup in South Africa in 2010, and their quarter-final run that year remains the high-water mark of their tournament history. <strong>Gustavo Alfaro\u2019s<\/strong> side have navigated the group stage with grit rather than flair: a heavy 4-1 defeat to the USA on Matchday 1 was followed by a composed 1-0 win over Turkey. They need a result here, and they know it.<\/p>\n<p>Australia, under <strong>Tony Popovic<\/strong>, have been one of the more organized sides in the tournament\u2019s early rounds. A 2-0 opening win over Turkey gave them a platform, though the subsequent 2-0 loss to the USA exposed some defensive frailty against elite opposition. The Socceroos\u2019 qualifying campaign through the AFC was outstanding, four wins from four, and that confidence in structure has carried into the tournament proper.<\/p>\n<p>This is a game shaped by stakes rather than style. Paraguay will look to control territory through midfield and rely on the individual quality of <strong>Miguel Almir\u00f3n<\/strong> and <strong>Julio Enciso<\/strong> to create moments. Australia will be content to absorb and transition, with their experienced captain <strong>Mathew Ryan<\/strong> providing composure between the sticks. The team that manages the pressure of the occasion best will likely advance.<\/p>\n<h2>Recent Form &amp; Trends<\/h2>\n<h3><b>Paraguay<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Turkey (A): Won 1-0 \u2013 FIFA World Cup<\/li>\n<li>United States (A): Lost 1-4 \u2013 FIFA World Cup<\/li>\n<li>Nicaragua (H): Won 4-0 \u2013 Friendly<\/li>\n<li>Morocco (N): Lost 1-2 \u2013 Friendly<\/li>\n<li>Greece (A): Won 1-0 \u2013 Friendly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Paraguay\u2019s form is a study in contrasts. Their 4-0 friendly win over Nicaragua and back-to-back 1-0 victories against Greece and Turkey show they can defend a lead and grind out results. The USA thrashing was an outlier against the co-hosts\u2019 quality, but the margin was alarming. They have kept two clean sheets in their last three competitive fixtures, which matters here.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Australia<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>United States (A): Lost 0-2 \u2013 FIFA World Cup<\/li>\n<li>Turkey (H): Won 2-0 \u2013 FIFA World Cup<\/li>\n<li>Switzerland (N): Drew 1-1 \u2013 Friendly<\/li>\n<li>Mexico (N): Lost 0-1 \u2013 Friendly<\/li>\n<li>Curacao (H): Won 5-1 \u2013 FIFA Series<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Australia\u2019s World Cup form mirrors Paraguay\u2019s almost exactly: one comfortable win, one defeat to the USA, and a goal difference that edges them ahead at this stage. Their AFC qualifying run was genuinely impressive, wins over Japan and Saudi Arabia included, and Popovic has built a side with a recognizable shape. The 2-0 win over Turkey was professional and controlled.<\/p>\n<h2>Paraguay vs Australia History &amp; H2H Trends<\/h2>\n<p>These two nations have met five times, all in friendly competition. Australia hold a marginal edge, with one win, two draws, and one loss from the four games in the record, and a 1-0 win in October 2010 is the most recent meeting. A 1-1 draw in 2006 and three encounters across June 2000, two scoreless and one a 2-1 Australia win, round out a limited but informative head-to-head picture.<\/p>\n<p>The numbers suggest tight, low-scoring affairs are the historical norm between these sides. Three of the five meetings produced one goal or fewer, and only once has either team scored more than two. No World Cup meeting has taken place before this fixture, meaning there is no major-tournament precedent to draw on. The pattern of cagey, closely contested games does, however, support an under-goals lean in Santa Clara.<\/p>\n<h2>Injuries, Suspensions &amp; Roster News<\/h2>\n<p>Paraguay\u2019s squad blends genuine experience and emerging talent. <strong>Gustavo Gomez<\/strong>, the Palmeiras centre-back, leads the defensive line with 89 caps to his name. <strong>Fabi\u00e1n Balbuena<\/strong> and <strong>J\u00fanior Alonso<\/strong> provide additional cover at the back, giving Alfaro options in a settled defensive unit. The only goal scorer registered at this World Cup for Paraguay has been <strong>Mauricio<\/strong>, whose strike against Turkey proved decisive.<\/p>\n<p>Australia\u2019s squad is anchored by Mathew Ryan in goal, whose 104 caps make him the most experienced player on the park for either side. <strong>Harry Souttar<\/strong> is a significant presence in central defense, while <strong>Jackson Irvine<\/strong> drives the midfield engine. <strong>Connor Metcalfe<\/strong> and <strong>Nestory Irankunda<\/strong> have both found the net at this tournament, giving Popovic reliable options in the final third.<\/p>\n<p>There are no confirmed suspensions or red-card absences for either side heading into this fixture. Both squads have been named and both managers have the luxury of a full complement available for selection. The fitness of key attacking players, particularly Enciso for Paraguay and Irankunda for Australia, will bear watching closer to kickoff.<\/p>\n<h2>Expected Lineups<\/h2>\n<p>Paraguay (4-2-3-1): Gatito Fernandez; Juan Jose Caceres, Gustavo Gomez (c), Fabi\u00e1n Balbuena, J\u00fanior Alonso; Andr\u00e9s Cubas, Braian Ojeda; Diego Gomez, Miguel Almir\u00f3n, Julio Enciso; Antonio Sanabria.<\/p>\n<p>Australia (4-3-3): Mathew Ryan (c); Jason Geria, Harry Souttar, Milos Degenek, Jordan Bos; Jackson Irvine, Aiden O\u2019Neill, Connor Metcalfe; Nestory Irankunda, Mathew Leckie, Awer Mabil.<\/p>\n<p><em>Predicted lineups based on available squad information. Starting elevens to be confirmed closer to kickoff.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Key Matchup to Watch<\/h2>\n<p>The battle between <strong>Miguel Almir\u00f3n<\/strong> and Australia\u2019s central midfield trio will likely define this game. Almir\u00f3n, with 76 caps and 10 international goals, operates in the space between the lines and has the pace and technique to punish a midfield that sits deep. Jackson Irvine, with 82 caps and 14 international goals, leads that Australian unit with energy and physicality. If Irvine and Aiden O\u2019Neill can limit Almir\u00f3n\u2019s time on the ball and prevent him from turning in dangerous areas, Australia have the defensive solidity to frustrate Paraguay\u2019s attack. If Almir\u00f3n finds pockets of space, Paraguay have the quality to convert. This midfield contest is the game\u2019s axis.<\/p>\n<h2>Best Bets &amp; Expert Picks<\/h2>\n<div class=\"z_78c3449732d1c2 d_77cd8114a8c809\" data-id=\"2777\" data-display=\"3\">\n<div class=\"i_8160e7692ac608\">\n<div class=\"t_3ac78ae4ece113 u_e6be47a70e8e1c\" data-filter-tag-id=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.footitalia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/863a09f8\/static\/3-30-4\/images\/footitalia\/popular.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"\/> POPULAR<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"f_5286bc88405e83\">\n<div class=\"x_53bf2ff39937f4 fifa-2026\" data-id=\"74273\" data-offer-name=\"William Hill \u2013 UK \u2013 Sports\" data-filter-tags=\"[0]\">\n<div class=\"f_7efd426d8727ea\">\n<p>Best World Cup 2026 Welcome Bonus<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"f_bb85ca5c2dcbc9\">\n<div class=\"b_9c22e30c73f29b\">\n<p>                <img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"125\" height=\"60\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.footitalia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/D2C10E53EAF022910C6CCE07A2.svg\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"125\" height=\"60\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.footitalia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/D2C10E53EAF022910C6CCE07A2.svg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\n    <span class=\"f_72679cfe1ef0d8\"> 10 <\/span><br \/>\n    <span class=\"x_7a84949be20dbd\"> EXCEPTIONAL <\/span>\n<\/p>\n<p>William Hill <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"g_4847664835e49e\">\n<p>William Hill <\/p>\n<p><span>200 Free Spins<\/span> with your first deposit<\/p>\n<p>Wide Range of Offerings<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x_53bf2ff39937f4\" data-id=\"74277\" data-offer-name=\"High Bet \u2013 UK \u2013 Sports\" data-filter-tags=\"[0]\">\n<div class=\"f_bb85ca5c2dcbc9\">\n<div class=\"b_9c22e30c73f29b\">\n<p>                <img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"125\" height=\"60\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.footitalia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/7F793BDFA16E0FB8BCA1E37F0A.svg\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"125\" height=\"60\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.footitalia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/7F793BDFA16E0FB8BCA1E37F0A.svg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\n    <span class=\"f_72679cfe1ef0d8\"> 9.9 <\/span><br \/>\n    <span class=\"x_7a84949be20dbd\"> EXCEPTIONAL <\/span>\n<\/p>\n<p>High Bet <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"g_4847664835e49e\">\n<p>High Bet <\/p>\n<p><span>\u20ac2,000,000<\/span> Monthly Prize Pool<\/p>\n<p>Unbeatable Sports Odds<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x_53bf2ff39937f4\" data-id=\"74275\" data-offer-name=\"Betfred \u2013 UK \u2013 Sports\" data-filter-tags=\"[0]\">\n<div class=\"f_bb85ca5c2dcbc9\">\n<div class=\"b_9c22e30c73f29b\">\n<p>                <img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"125\" height=\"60\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.footitalia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/9E176ABAEFDBECD3D83615E4BE.svg\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"125\" height=\"60\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Logo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.footitalia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/9E176ABAEFDBECD3D83615E4BE.svg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\n    <span class=\"f_72679cfe1ef0d8\"> 9.8 <\/span><br \/>\n    <span class=\"x_7a84949be20dbd\"> EXCEPTIONAL <\/span>\n<\/p>\n<p>betfred<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"g_4847664835e49e\">\n<p>betfred<\/p>\n<p>Stake \u00a310 and Get <span>up to 200 Free Spins<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Exclusive live casino tables powered by Playtech<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Australia to Win (+300, BetOnline).<\/strong> The Socceroos have the better goal difference, a more coherent defensive structure under Popovic, and the experience of Mathew Ryan in goal. Paraguay are capable of grinding results but their goal output at this tournament has been limited. At +300, Australia represent genuine value in a game they need at most a draw to qualify.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Under 2 Goals (-145, BetOnline).<\/strong> Five of the five head-to-head meetings between these sides produced two goals or fewer. Both teams have shown they are capable of keeping clean sheets at this tournament. Paraguay\u2019s 1-0 win over Turkey and Australia\u2019s 2-0 win over Turkey both came with defensive discipline at the forefront. The under on a 2-goal line at -145 is a defensible lean supported by both history and recent form.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Jackson Irvine Anytime Scorer.<\/strong> Irvine has 14 international goals from 82 caps and leads Australia\u2019s midfield by both experience and goal threat. He has been a consistent scorer for the Socceroos across recent campaigns. With set-piece delivery a potential avenue against a Paraguay side that conceded four to the USA, Irvine\u2019s presence in the box makes him a reasonable anytime scorer option.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Australia to Win &amp; Under 2 Goals (Parlay).<\/strong> Combining an Australia win with an under-goals outcome builds on the defensive themes that define both squads\u2019 World Cup campaigns. It is not a clean layup, but at the prices available, the combination reflects what this fixture has historically and tactically telegraphed.<\/p>\n<h2>Betting Odds &amp; Lines<\/h2>\n<p>Here is a full breakdown of the Paraguay vs Australia betting odds across all three approved sportsbooks as of the latest snapshot.<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><strong>Outcome<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>BetOnline<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>Lucky Rebel<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>BetNow<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Paraguay Win<\/td>\n<td>+195<\/td>\n<td>+190<\/td>\n<td>+190<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Draw<\/td>\n<td>+120<\/td>\n<td>+125<\/td>\n<td>+125<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Australia Win<\/td>\n<td>+300<\/td>\n<td>+295<\/td>\n<td>+295<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><strong>Totals (O\/U 2)<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>BetOnline<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>Lucky Rebel<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>BetNow<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Over 2<\/td>\n<td>+128<\/td>\n<td>+128<\/td>\n<td>+125<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Under 2<\/td>\n<td>-145<\/td>\n<td>-145<\/td>\n<td>-145<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The best available Paraguay vs Australia betting odds for an Australia win sit at +300 with BetOnline. The draw is available at +126 at best price across the market.<\/p>\n<h2>How to Watch &amp; Where to Bet<\/h2>\n<h3><b>How to Watch<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>Paraguay vs Australia is broadcast live in the United States on Fox Sports. Kickoff is at 7:00 PM PT on June 25, 2026, from Levi\u2019s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Viewers in Australia can watch on SBS or Optus Sport. UK viewers have the match on ITV or BBC.<\/p>\n<h3><b>How to Bet<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>New to betting on World Cup 2026? Here is how to get your Paraguay vs Australia picks on quickly and safely.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Choose a licensed sportsbook. BetOnline, Lucky Rebel, and BetNow are all approved options for US bettors.<\/li>\n<li>Create an account. The process takes under five minutes and requires basic personal details.<\/li>\n<li>Verify your identity. Most books require a government-issued ID to activate withdrawals.<\/li>\n<li>Make a deposit. Credit card, bank transfer, and crypto options are available depending on the operator.<\/li>\n<li>Navigate to the World Cup 2026 section. Find Group D and locate the Paraguay vs Australia match.<\/li>\n<li>Select your market. Match result, totals, and anytime scorer are all available in the main betting menu.<\/li>\n<li>Enter your stake. Review the potential payout before confirming.<\/li>\n<li>Place the bet. Your wager will be confirmed instantly, and you can track it live once the match begins.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>Responsible Gambling<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Responsible Gambling:<\/strong> Betting should be fun. If you feel that gambling is affecting your finances, relationships, or mental health, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline at <strong>1-800-522-4700<\/strong> (available 24\/7) or visit <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncpgambling.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ncpgambling.org<\/a>. Gamblers Anonymous can be reached at <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gamblersanonymous.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">gamblersanonymous.org<\/a>. Always bet within your means.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.footitalia.com\/news\/paraguay-v-australia-predictions\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Match Date Kickoff Venue Stage TV (USA) Paraguay vs Australia June 25, 2026 7:00 PM PT Levi\u2019s Stadium, Santa Clara Group D, Matchday 3 Fox Sports Why This Game Matters Both Paraguay and Australia arrive at Levi\u2019s Stadium with three points from two games, separated only by goal difference in Group D. A win for [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4593,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4592","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-spotlight-sugli-azzurri"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.matteocoachperformance.it\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4592","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.matteocoachperformance.it\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.matteocoachperformance.it\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.matteocoachperformance.it\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.matteocoachperformance.it\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4592"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blog.matteocoachperformance.it\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4592\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.matteocoachperformance.it\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4593"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.matteocoachperformance.it\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4592"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.matteocoachperformance.it\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4592"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.matteocoachperformance.it\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4592"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}