World Cup 2026: Paraguay and Australia cancel each other out in goalless tactical duel

Paraguay and Australia played out a 0-0 draw at Levi's Stadium, leaving both teams' World Cup 2026 Group D qualification hopes alive.

Henry DONCHE
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SUMMARY

Paraguay and Australia drew 0-0 on Friday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara in their World Cup 2026 group-stage meeting, keeping their hopes of qualification intact in this complex Group D.

After mixed performances in the first two matchdays, Paraguay and Australia came into this crucial encounter aiming to relaunch their tournament. Paraguay were building on their recent win over Turkey (1-0), while Australia were looking to bounce back after their defeat to the United States (0-2). The match confirmed the defensive solidity of both teams, each showing a compact organisation that limited clear-cut chances.

Guillermo Alfaro’s Paraguay lined up in a 5-4-1 system, relying on a five-man defence to contain Australia’s attacks. Goalkeeper O. Gill was called into action several times, recording five decisive saves. The defensive line led by José Cáceres, G. Velázquez, G. Gómez, O. Alderete and substitute A. Maidana, who came on at half-time, proved solid and disciplined.

In midfield, D. Gómez, A. Cubas, M. Galarza and J. Enciso tried to carry the ball forward, supporting striker G. Ávalos, who was replaced on the hour mark by Alex Arce. Despite a few shots, the Paraguayans were unable to make the most of their rare forays forward.

Australia, coached by T. Popović, played in a 3-4-3 with P. Beach in goal, making two key saves to preserve the scoreline. The three-man defence, made up of A. Circati, H. Souttar and L. Herrington, contained Paraguay’s lone striker. In midfield, A. Behich, A. O’Neill, J. Irvine and J. Bos tried to drive the play, with J. Bos in particular producing several shots on target and key passes.

In attack, C. Metcalfe, N. Irankunda and C. Volpato formed the front line. Volpato was replaced by Cristian Volpato in the 58th minute, while several changes were made in the second half to energise Australia’s attacking sector.

The match was marked by significant physical commitment, with one yellow card for each side — Jackson Irvine for Australia in the 46th minute and Diego Gomez for Paraguay in the 77th. Late tactical substitutions did not manage to break the deadlock.

This draw keeps Paraguay on 4 points and Australia on 3 points in Group D, where the United States and Turkey also remain in contention for qualification, setting up a decisive final matchday in this group stage.

Paraguay search for defensive stability

Paraguay prioritised a robust defensive approach by lining up with five defenders, reinforced at half-time by the introduction of Alexandro Maidana in defence. Captain G. Gómez and O. Alderete played their part by blocking the opposition’s attempts, while O. Gill stood out with repeated saves. The attacking play remained limited around J. Enciso and G. Ávalos, who produced a few promising incursions but without success.

Australia rely on a flexible 3-4-3 and the mobility of their midfielders

In attack, Australia relied on a trio of C. Metcalfe, N. Irankunda and C. Volpato, the latter replaced in the second half. Midfielders J. Bos and J. Irvine tried to create more situations, despite the lack of chances. The three-man defence held firm without taking major risks, while T. Popović often had to make tactical adjustments, notably late in the match with several simultaneous substitutions.

Paraguay
Finished Levi's Stadium
Australia
26/06/2026 03:00 Group D
Fil du match
  1. 45'Remplacement - Alexandro Maidana (remplace Maurício Magalhães Prado)Paraguay, 45e
  2. 46'Carton jaune - Jackson IrvineAustralie, 46e
  3. 58'Remplacement - Cristian Volpato (remplace Ajdin Hrustic)Australie, 58e
  4. 67'Remplacement - Gabriel Ávalos (remplace Alex Arce)Paraguay, 67e
  5. 77'Carton jaune - Diego GomezParaguay, 77e
  6. 84'Remplacement - Omar Alderete (remplace José Canale)Paraguay, 84e
  7. 84'Remplacement - Jackson Irvine (remplace Paul Okon-Engstler)Australie, 84e
  8. 84'Remplacement - Nestory Irankunda (remplace Tete Yengi)Australie, 84e
  9. 92'Remplacement - Diego Gomez (remplace Damian Bobadilla)Paraguay, 92e
  10. 92'Remplacement - Matías Galarza (remplace Junior Alonso)Paraguay, 92e
Les chiffres du match
  • Tirs cadres : Paraguay 2 / Australia 5
  • Tirs : Paraguay 7 / Australia 12
  • Possession : Paraguay 44% / Australia 56%
  • Corners : Paraguay 1 / Australia 3
  • Fautes : Paraguay 9 / Australia 6
  • Cartons jaunes : Paraguay 1 / Australia 1
  • Cartons rouges : Paraguay 0 / Australia 0
Joueurs clés
  • O. Gill (Paraguay) : note 7.59, 5 arret(s)
  • P. Beach (Australia) : note 7.14, 2 arret(s)
  • H. Souttar (Australia) : note 7.07
  • J. Bos (Australia) : note 7.05
  • J. Irvine (Australia) : note 6.8, 1 carton(s) jaune(s)
Group D schedule
View full schedule
Group D
United States
Finished SoFi Stadium
Paraguay
Group D
Australia
Finished BC Place
Turkey
Group D
United States
Finished Lumen Field
Australia
Group D
Turkey
Finished Levi's Stadium
Paraguay
Group D
Turkey
Finished SoFi Stadium
United States
Group D
Paraguay
Finished Levi's Stadium
Australia
Group D
TeamJGNPBPBCDiffPts
United States32018446
Australia31112204
Paraguay311124-24
Turkey310235-23
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05:00 Football : World Cup 2026: Paraguay and Australia cancel each other out in goalless tactical duel
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