Australia arrive at their final Group D outing of the World Cup a little downtrodden after a disheartening 2-0 defeat to the USA. 

Still, thanks to their opening game win against Türkiye, their chances of advancing to the newly minted Round of 32 are very much alive. 

Not only are they alive, they are in their own hands, with a robust Paraguayan side the last obstacle between them and the knockout stages. 

A win or a draw here will see Tony Popovic’s side sew up second spot in Group D and roll on through, no questions asked. 

A loss would see them slide to third, but that still might be enough to move on, depending on how other results play out. 

Still, you can bet the boys in Green and Gold have zero desire to leave their World Cup fate up to others, so expect them to go after this one from the opening whistle.

Paraguay are no easy beats and boast quality players such as: Omar Alderete and Brighton playmaker Diego Gómez, so this shapes as a tense, tactical contest with plenty riding on it for both camps. 

Will Popovic choose to meet Paraguay head on and fight fire with fire and unleash the dream front three of Irankunda, Toure and Volpato? Or will defence once again be the prescribed diet, as Australia attempt to block their way to the next stage of the Cup? Let’s find out!

Also, to celebrate the momentous occasion that is the World Cup, Sportsbet is bringing back its exclusive Super Sub feature!

How does Super Sub work? Well, it’s very simple. Place a bet on select player markets throughout the Men’s World Cup and if that player is subbed off your bet rolls over to the new player that replaced them.

For example, if you’ve bet on Nestory Irankunda to score during this game and he fails to do so and is directly substituted for Tete Yengi who ends up scoring instead, your original bet on Irankunda is paid as a winner! 

Super Sub is not exclusive to goalscoring markets either, it also applies to anytime assist, player to win one or more fouls, shots on target and more, just make sure to read all the T&Cs before locking in your bet.

Now back to the action! For the latest betting tips and analysis ahead of this Group D game at the World Cup, check out our Australia vs Paraguay tips and predictions below. 

Australia vs Paraguay Predictions 

Head-to-Head Prediction

Somewhat surprisingly, Paraguay are favourites in the Win-Draw-Win market at 2.80, with the draw at 2.30 and Australia out at 4.10, but there is genuine value with the Aussies

Popovic has built a side that defends in numbers but can break with pace through Nestory Irankunda, Mohamed Touré and Cristian Volpato, should he elect to start them. 

Meanwhile Aiden O'Neill and Connor Metcalfe give the midfield bite, but perhaps O’Neill is due a rest after starting the first two games. Does this allow the vastly experienced Jackosn Irvine to start?

Paraguay can be vulnerable in transition, and Australia's set-piece threat via Souttar offers another route to goal.

If they can get their delivery from corners right, pick the perfect starting lineup and lock in like they did against Türkiye, at the offered price, backing Australia looks like a smart value play.

Betting tip: Australia. 

Correct Score Prediction

Neither of these sides are known for being super open at the back. Like Australia, Paraguay prefers to deploy a low block and hit on the counter, but how will that look if both teams try it?

Without the services of talisman Miguel Almiron who became the first player to be sent off under the new rules for covering his mouth, Paraguay have lost a lot of transitional speed and finishing. 

This makes us question whether they’ll be able to breach the Australian block, while we fancy the likes of Irankunda, Toure, or last game’s silver lining Volpato, grabbing one for the Green and Gold to steal the win.

Betting tip: 1-0 Australia.

First Goal Prediction

Australia's attacking unit has plenty of options, with the aforementioned trio of Irankunda, Toure and Volpato. 

Only one of those three started last game, however, surely that changes this time around. 

According to the odds (at the time of writing) Mohamed Touré shapes as the most appealing pick in the First Goalscorer market at 6.00. 

The young Norwich forward has not yet scored for Australia at this World Cup, but his pace in behind Paraguay's defensive line is a genuine threat. 

Nestory Irankunda at 7.50 is a tempting alternative if you prefer a bigger quote but for us, there is one man who should be on the starting team sheet and on our betting slip for this market.

That is of course Cristian Volpato, who starred in his first competitive appearance for Australia, despite being limited to a second half cameo against America.

He currently sits at 8.00 to be the first to find the net, and based on what we saw against the Yanks, that seems like immense value to us. 

Betting tip: Cristian Volpato.

Where to Watch Australia vs Paraguay

For the first time ever, Sportsbet is offering punters the chance to stream World Cup matches live*.

To watch Sportsbet’s live streams of the World Cup, you must:

- Be 18+.

- Have a Sportsbet account.

- Be logged into your Sportsbet account.

- Have a positive balance OR have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. 

World Cup streaming is available both in-app and on-web. As long as you meet the above requirements, you’ll be able to tune in on your computer, tablet or phone.

To access the stream for Australia vs Paraguay simply find your way to the official betting page for this match. Or, if you have a bet on the game you can watch from your "My Bets" section.

Traditional World Cup broadcaster SBS is also showing every World Cup match, meaning you can also watch Australia vs Paraguay on either SBS, SBS Viceland or SBS On Demand. 

*18+ Available to Sportsbet customers only. Conditions apply – see sportsbet.com.au

*Odds are subject to change.

Australia vs Paraguay Match Details 

Date: Friday, June 26, 2026. 

Kick-off: 12:00pm AEST. 

Location: Levi’s Stadium, California. 

Where to watch: Sportsbet, SBS.