Group D’s Other Decider
Australia vs Paraguay on June 25 closes Group D Matchday 3 simultaneously. Ryan meets Almirón. Tactics, lineups, predictions.
- June 25, 2026 Thursday
- Levi’s Stadium
- Kick-Off 10:00 PM
Two Group D outsiders meet for the Round of 32 path.
The Socceroos and the Albirroja arrive at Matchday 3 with the realization that the Round of 32 path likely runs through a positive result here. With USA favored to top Group D, the second qualification spot remains open. Whoever wins on Thursday likely takes the ticket.
For both, must-win.
Everything you need at kickoff
- Date
- Thursday, June 25, 2026
- Kickoff (USA)
- 10:00 p.m. ET simultaneous with USA-Türkiye
- Venue
- Group D second venue
- Group
- Group D USA, Paraguay, Australia, Türkiye
- Stage
- Group D — Matchday 3
For both teams, this is essentially must-win
For both, this is essentially must-win.
The five stories that define Group D’s other decider
Mat Ryan’s veteran tournament tour
Captain.
Miguel Almirón’s Premier League pace
Creator.
Tony Popovic’s Australia project
Restoring identity.
Gustavo Alfaro’s Paraguay project
Disciplined.
The simultaneous match factor
Group standings shift.
Tale of the tape
Australia’s previous group matches will have revealed tournament-readiness.
Paraguay’s previous group matches will have shaped tactical urgency.
A 4-3-3 / 4-4-2 hybrid prizing pressing intensity.
A 4-4-2 / 4-5-1 absorbing pressure and counter-attacking via Almirón.
Direct deliveries.
Direct corners.
- Mat Ryan (captain)
- Harry Souttar (defender)
- Riley McGree (creator)
- Aiden O’Neill (midfielder)
- Squad chemistry
- Defensive organization
- A goalkeeper with elite shot-stopping
- Set-piece scoring threat
- South American tournament experience
- Striker depth
- Creative options
- Pace at fullback
- Sustained possession
- Squad pace at fullback
- Attacking creativity
Two organized teams — whoever produces moments wins
Two organized teams. Whoever produces moments wins.
Key questions
Can Almirón exploit Australia’s right side?
Can Souttar dominate set pieces?
Who wins the second-ball battle?
The names that decide it
Captain.
Aerial.
Creator.
Hold-up.
Connector.
Hold-up.
Pace.
Connector.
Anchor.
Reliable.
Rising Stars & Breakout Candidates
Australia: Bundesliga emerging names.
Paraguay: Olimpia and Cerro Porteño products pushing.
Australia’s 2006 run, Paraguay’s 2010 quarterfinal — and a first World Cup meeting
Limited shared history
Australia and Paraguay have not previously met at a World Cup; prior meetings were friendlies.
Australia’s 2006 Round of 16
Their best.
Paraguay’s 2010 quarterfinal
Their best result.
The simultaneous match dynamic
Both Group D fixtures kick off together.
Two tournament-tested squads
Veteran leadership matters.
A multicultural atmosphere at the Group D venue
The Group D venue will produce a multicultural atmosphere.
Fantasy & Betting Angle — informational only
Almirón anytime contribution: elite fantasy.
Souttar header: decent value.
Both teams to score: plausible.
A wildcard: McGree assist.
Play responsibly.
Best guess at kickoff
Lineups based on previous matchday performances.
Harry Souttar scores from a set piece — the kind of physical dominance the Australian center-back can deliver in a tournament-defining moment.
One Player Nobody Is Talking About
Mathías Villasanti. Paraguay’s central midfielder will quietly do the connecting work.
A tense match. Almirón assists the opening goal. Souttar equalizes from a set piece. Neither team can produce the decisive moment. Man of the match: Miguel Almirón.
A match for both squads’ tournament dreams
A match for both squads’ tournament dreams. The football should be tactical.
The simultaneous Group D fixture decides everything.
