Paraguay starting lineup vs Australia confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 match

Paraguay and Australia are facing each other for the first time in a competitive match.

Paraguay are all set to face Australia in their last group stage game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The game will be played at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Thursday, June 25.

Despite suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat in the tournament opener against the co-host, the USA. Paraguay have managed to stay in the competition, courtesy of their performance in the last game.

La Albirroja recorded a narrow 1-0 win over Türkiye in their second game at the same stadium, where they will face Australia. Türkiye took 33 shots while maintaining 79 per cent possession; however, La Albirroja’s defence proved a hard nut to crack for the Crescent Stars.

The only goal of the game came in the second minute when Matias Galarza scored from outside the box, courtesy of an assist from Julio Enciso. However, one of the team’s most experienced players, Miguel Almirón, was sent off with a straight red for covering his mouth while speaking.

As a result, the former Newcastle United attacker will miss his side’s last group-stage game, which is crucial to Paraguay’s fate in the knockout stage.

Also Read: Paraguay vs Australia: Five key battles to watch out for in FIFA World Cup 2026

Paraguay lineup for the FIFA World Cup match against Australia

Paraguay XI (4-4-2): Orlando Gill (GK); Juan José Cáceres, Gustavo Gómez, Omar Alderete, Gustavo Velazquez; Matías Galarza, Diego Gómez, Andrés Cubas, Alexandro Maidana; Gabriel Avalos, Julio Enciso.

Thoughts on the lineup

Julio Enciso will be responsible for creating chances and scoring goals for La Albirroja in their clash against Socceros. However, that won’t be easy, as they have scored only two goals in two games in the summer competition so far.

Gabriel Avalos will take Miguel Almirón’s place in the team, who is missing the game due to suspension. Diego Gómez and Andrés Cubas are the central midfielders, while Matías Galarza is set to play on the wing.

Juan José Cáceres and Gustavo Velázquez will play as the fullbacks, while Gustavo Gómez and Omar Alderete are the centre-backs chosen for the last group stage game by Gustavo Alfaro.

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