The Socceroos are eager to recover from their devastating defeat to the USA as they aim to secure progression to the knockout stages by triumphing over Paraguay in their concluding group stage match of the FIFA World Cup.
Australia stands in second place within Group D, and they can guarantee their advance to the Round of 32 with either a victory or a draw in the upcoming match in Santa Clara, which is located near San Francisco. This important game is set for 12 PM on Friday (AEST) and will be broadcast live and free via SBS or SBS On Demand.
Paraguay, initially seen as one of Australia’s more manageable opponents with a FIFA ranking of 37, has raised the stakes by defeating Türkiye in their recent encounter.
A significant topic of interest is whether Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe will return to the starting lineup. Both players contributed to Australia’s earlier win against Türkiye,where both found the net, but they were absent from the starting eleven in the match against the USA, which resulted in a 2-0 loss.
Against the USA, the Socceroos appeared subdued in the first half, allowing two goals before the break.
They improved dramatically after the break, with substitutes Irankunda, Metcalfe and Cristian Volpato injecting fresh energy into the game and helping swing momentum Australia’s way.
Coach Tony Popovic’s team selection came under scrutiny after the defeat, and it will be interesting to see whether he returns to the starting 11 that defeated Türkiye.
Paraguay star to miss the match
The Socceroos have been handed a boost with the absence of Paraguay star Miguel Almirón, who was sent off in his team’s 1-0 win over Türkiye on Saturday (AEST).
The midfielder became the first player to receive a red card under FIFA’s new rule banning players from covering their mouths during confrontations with opponents, a measure introduced to stamp out abusive comments.
Paraguay are a defence-first side, relying on quick transitions rather than patient build-up play. Their backline stood firm against Türkiye, despite the side being reduced to 10 men for the second half.
Fernando Romero is the only Paraguayan to play in the A-League. He worked under Popovic and alongside Socceroos Jason Geria, Paul Izzo and Nishan Velupillay at Melbourne Victory.
Romero provided some insight into the mood in Paraguay’s camp heading into the match.
“Right now, the spirits have risen again,” he told the Australian Associated Press in an interview translated from Spanish.
“We were very sad and we were very afraid to lose again in that second game and go out of the World Cup very quickly.
“So this game [against Türkiye] returned the hope of the people again. They saw the team we saw during the qualifying rounds for the World Cup again. So now people are hopeful again.
“This game against Australia, for sure it’s going to be a game of life or death.
“The one who wins goes on and the one who loses goes back to their country.”
It’s worth pointing out that the Socceroos could progress even if they lose, but it depends how the rest of the groups perform.
What’s at stake?
Australia and Paraguay are level on three points after one win each, with the Socceroos sitting second in Group D on overall goal difference.
A draw would be enough for Australia to remain second and qualify for the Round of 32, where they would face the runner-up from Group G — Belgium, New Zealand, Iran or Egypt.
A defeat would likely still see the Socceroos progress as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams, but it would almost certainly mean a far tougher Round of 32 opponent — the winner of either Group E, Group I, or Group K.
As the standings currently sit, that means they would face Germany, France or Portugal.
Socceroos defender Jason Geria said Australia would be playing for the win against Paraguay.
“I think you’re cheating the game in a way if you’re looking to just call a truce with 10 minutes to go. That doesn’t seem right in my opinion,” Geria said.
“Yeah, we could both progress with a point, that’s evident, but I don’t think it’s in us to just concede or just take the foot off the gas.
“We want to win every game, regardless of who the opponent is or what the situation is.”
Australia v Paraguay head-to-head record
Australia and Paraguay have met five times, all in friendlies. The Socceroos hold the head-to-head record, with two wins and three draws. Their last match-up was a 1-0 home win for the Socceroos in Sydney in 2010.
When is kick-off?
The match kicks off at 12pm Friday AEST at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.
— With additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press.
You can watch all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ live, free and exclusive on SBS, SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand.