XIs out in the battle for second: Paraguay-Australia

In the final Group D match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Paraguay and Australia face a decider at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, and the starting XIs for both teams have been announced. In this match played for second place and a last-32 ticket, a draw is enough for Australia thanks to their head-to-head advantage, while Paraguay are chasing a win to advance.

For Paraguay, head coach Gustavo Alfaro sets up in a 4-4-2. Orlando Gill, who kept his place after his display against Türkiye, is in goal, with Gustavo Gomez and Omar Alderete in the heart of defence. The team's top scorer, Miguel Almiron, is suspended due to the red card he received against Türkiye and cannot play in this match. Almiron's absence creates a significant void in Paraguay's attack; up front, Julio Enciso operates as a striker.

For Australia, head coach Tony Popovic sets up in a 5-4-1. Patrick Beach again starts ahead of veteran Mathew Ryan in goal. Making one change in defence due to Jacob Italiano's injury, Popovic brought Jason Geria into the right wing-back position. Star winger Mathew Leckie is out of the squad with a left hamstring injury. Geria, Cameron Burgess, Harry Souttar and Alessandro Circati make up the defensive line.

This match carries great importance for both teams. Australia, despite losing to the USA, are favoured for second on goal difference; even a point secures qualification. Taking the field with the confidence from their opening win over Türkiye, Australia aim to reach the World Cup last 16 for a second consecutive time. Paraguay, meanwhile, had recovered by beating Türkiye 1-0 after a heavy defeat to the USA; a win in this match would seal qualification.

Starting XIs
Paraguay (4-4-2): Gill; Caceres, G. Gomez, Alderete, Alonso; Velazquez, Cubas, D. Gomez, Galarza; Enciso, Maidana
Australia (5-4-1): Beach; Geria, Circati, Souttar, Burgess, Bos; Irvine, O'Neill, Okon-Engstler, Volpato; Toure

Image: Khel Now