

World Cup
•Round 3

Paraguay
Finished
0 : 0
25th Jun 2026, 22:00

Australia
Paraguay to win


Author
Fact checker Harry Wilson
Paraguay's odds have lengthened to 2.81, weakening some of the earlier market conviction, but their structural advantage and home designation at a neutral venue still offer enough edge to lean their way.
Paraguay versus Australia at Levi's Stadium still feels like the kind of World Cup group match that gets decided by one disciplined moment rather than sustained brilliance. The confirmed lineups are in, and both sides have named relatively expected elevens built for defensive solidity. The market has shifted slightly since publication-Paraguay have drifted from 2.23 to 2.81, while Australia have shortened from 3.50 to 4.33, suggesting some late money has moved away from the South Americans. That drift weakens the original conviction a touch, but the structural logic remains: Paraguay's compact defensive shape and ability to control transitions still give them a narrow edge. Keep reading to see how the lineups and late odds movement shape the final picture.
I'll start with the confirmed lineups, because they tell us both sides have gone for what they know. Paraguay line up in a back five with Gustavo Gómez, Omar Alderete, and Gustavo Velázquez anchoring the defence, flanked by Cáceres and Maidana as wing-backs. In midfield, Andrés Cubas and Matías Galarza Fonda sit deep to shield that defensive line, with Diego Gómez and Julio Enciso tasked with linking play and supporting lone striker Gabriel Ávalos. It's a setup designed to absorb pressure, stay compact, and exploit moments of transition. Australia mirror that caution with a back three of Lucas Herrington, Harry Souttar, and Alessandro Circati, supported by wide midfielders Jordan Bos and Aziz Behich. Jackson Irvine and Aiden O'Neill anchor the midfield, with Cristian Volpato and Connor Metcalfe playing higher in support of Nestory Irankunda. Both sides are prioritising structure over adventure, which reinforces the low-scoring expectation.
The odds movement since publication is worth noting. Paraguay have drifted from 2.23 to 2.81, a significant shift that suggests late money has moved away from them. Australia have lengthened further, from 3.50 to 4.33, which tells us the market still sees Paraguay as favourites but with less conviction than before. The draw remains steady at 3.25. That drift doesn't change the fundamental read-Paraguay's defensive organisation and ability to control the game's tempo still give them the edge-but it does mean the margin between the two sides is priced as narrower than it was. The under 2.5 goals market has tightened sharply, from 1.64 to 1.35, reflecting overwhelming confidence that this will be a cagey, low-scoring affair. BTTS No has also shortened from 1.8 to 1.69, reinforcing the view that one goal might be enough to settle it. I still lean towards Paraguay, but the drift in their price and the confirmed lineups showing two cautious setups mean this feels more like a narrow grind than a comfortable win. A 1-0 scoreline remains the most plausible outcome, decided by one set piece, one defensive lapse, or one moment of individual quality in transition.
Paraguay to win

Paraguay
1 : 0
Australia




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Goals Scored
0.7
Goals Conceded
1.3
Goals difference
-2
Avg. goals per match
2.0
Ended, 20 Jun 2026
0
1
Ended, 13 Jun 2026
4
1
FT, 5 Jun 2026
4
0
FT, 31 Mar 2026
2
1
FT, 27 Mar 2026
0
1
Based on recent previews and team reports.

Paraguay
Confirmed: 5-3-2
🧤Goalkeeper:
Orlando Gill
🛡️Back line:
Juan José Cáceres, Gustavo Velázquez, Gustavo Gómez, Omar Alderete, Alexandro Maidana
⚙️ Midfield:
Diego Gómez, Andrés Cubas, Matías Galarza Fonda
⚡ Attack:
Gabriel Ávalos, Julio Enciso

Australia
Confirmed: 3-4-2-1
🧤Goalkeeper:
Patrick Beach
🛡️Back line:
Alessandro Circati, Harry Souttar, Lucas Herrington
⚙️ Midfield:
Jordan Bos, Aiden O'Neill, Jackson Irvine, Aziz Behich
⚡ Attack:
Cristian Volpato, Connor Metcalfe, Nestory Irankunda
⚔️Attack vs defence
Gabriel Ávalos will need to hold the ball up against Harry Souttar and Alessandro Circati, both physically imposing centre-backs who will look to dominate aerially and cut off supply into Paraguay's lone striker early.,Midfield: Andrés Cubas and Matías Galarza Fonda against Jackson Irvine and Aiden O'Neill will define tempo and territorial control, with both pairings tasked with shielding their back lines and winning second balls in central areas.,Flanks: Julio Enciso and Alexandro Maidana will test Aziz Behich and Jordan Bos in wide areas, looking to stretch Australia's back three and create crossing opportunities or cutback chances for Paraguay's attacking runners.







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Paraguay have drifted from 2.23 to 2.81, a noticeable shift that weakens some of the original market conviction but still leaves them as narrow favourites in a tight group decider.
👉
Under 2.5 goals has shortened sharply from 1.64 to 1.35, reflecting overwhelming market confidence that this will be a low-scoring, defensively cautious World Cup fixture decided by fine margins.
👉
BTTS No has tightened from 1.8 to 1.69, reinforcing the expectation that one side will keep a clean sheet and that a single goal may be enough to settle the result.