Australia vs. Paraguay live score, result, highlights from Socceroos' 2026 World Cup Group D match

Australia and Paraguay will attempt to lock their place in the World Cup knockouts when they meet in Santa Clara on Thursday (local, ET)/Friday (AEST).

The Socceroos only need a win or a draw to seal second position in Group D, while Paraguay must win to leapfrog Australia into that spot.

Both teams are likely to go through in third place if they don't get their desirable result, provided their goal difference doesn't take too much of a hit.

Will it be a tense encounter with both teams not wanting to concede? Or will see a nation go for the jugular and second place?

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Australia vs. Paraguay score

Location: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara
Referee: Clement Turpin (FRA)

Starting lineups:

Australia (TBC):

Paraguay (TBC):

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Australia vs. Paraguay live updates, highlights from 2026 World Cup

(All times ET)

Prematch

1 hours to kickoff (9 p.m. ET) - Australia has made six changes to the team that lost 2-0 against USA.

Irankunda, Volpato and Metcalfe start in place of Toure, Leckie and Velupillay.

Behich comes in for the injured Italiano, Irvine plays for Okon-Engstler and Herrington replaces Burgess.

1.5 hours to kickoff (8:30 p.m. ET) - The Socceroos fans have taken over Santa Clara. What a magnificent sight to see.

A sea of Green and Gold has descended on Santa Clara. pic.twitter.com/iJJz6ppfLH

2 hours to kickoff (8 p.m. ET) - What a beautiful day in Santa Clara and Levi's Stadium looks an absolute treat.

2.5 hours to kickoff (7:30 p.m. ET) - Australia and Paraguay have never met in a competitive match before - but have played five friendlies.

The Socceroos have won two and drawn three of those contests, with Paraguay yet to get a win.

3 hours to kickoff (7 p.m. ET) - Paraguay will be without midfield star Miguel Almiron after his sensational red card for covering his mouth.

Much of their enterprise will fall to flying winger Julio Enciso - once of Brighton, now with Strasbourg.

3.5 hours to kickoff (6:30 p.m. ET) - Australia are expected to make changes to their starting lineup after struggling against the USA - particularly in the first half. 

Goalscorers against Turkey - Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe - are in line for a recall, while Cristian Volpato has also put his hand up for a start.

4 hours to kickoff (6 p.m. ET) - Ecuador's shock win against Germany has made it less likely that either of these two nations can lose and make the knockouts.

Ecuador was expected to be in third place with only one point, but now has four and is through to the round-of-32.

According to The Athletic, Australia now has a 16% chance of finishing third and being eliminated, Paraguay 21%.

4.5 hours to kickoff (5:30 p.m. ET) - Clear conditions for tonight's match. It's currently a pleasant 72 °F (23 °C) with no rain ahead. It's likely to drop a couple of degrees before kickoff but will be comfortable for the players.

5 hours to kickoff (5 p.m. ET) - Welcome to Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara for tonight's Group D climax between Paraguay and Australia.

Both nations are in the hunt for second position, with Australia needing a win or draw, while a victory would seal the honour for Paraguay.

A loss for either team will likely still mean qualification - with Germany likely waiting in the round-of-32.

But a multiple goal loss could put either's World Cup knockout aspirations in jeopardy.

Where to watch Australia vs. Paraguay in World Cup

Australia vs. Paraguay start time

• Date: Thursday, June 25 (local, ET), Friday, June 26 (AEST)
• Kickoff: 7 p.m.(local)/10 p.m.(ET)/12 p.m.(AEST)

The match between Australia and Paraguay will begin at 7 p.m. local time in Santa Clara, USA.

What channel is Australia vs. Paraguay on today?

• TV channel: Fox or FS1
• Live stream: Fubo (U.S. only free trial)

Here is where the World Cup match between the Australia and Paraguay can be found televised around in some major territories around the world, as well as streaming online.

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• Explaining the expanded World Cup bracket
• Full list of teams to qualify for 2026 World Cup

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Paraguay World Cup schedule 2026