Two Group D matches conclude Thursday’s World Cup slate, including a showdown between Paraguay and Australia with the No. 2 spot and an automatic berth in the Round of 32 on the line. The United States has already secured first place in the group, but with Paraguay and Australia both sitting on three points entering Thursday night, there is still plenty at stake.
Paraguay dropped its 2026 World Cup opener 4-1 to the United States but bounced back with a 1-0 victory over Türkiye last Friday. Türkiye arguably outplayed Paraguay in that match, but Matías Galarza’s goal in just the second minute proved to be enough, while goalkeeper Orlando Gil preserved the clean sheet with five saves.
Australia also weathered heavy pressure in its opener against Türkiye, winning 2-0 behind eight saves from goalkeeper Patrick Beach. However, the Socceroos couldn’t duplicate that performance against the United States last Friday. An own goal by Cameron Burgess gave the Americans an early lead in the 11th minute before the United States added another just before halftime in a 2-0 victory.
A win by either team Thursday night secures second place in Group D and automatic qualification for the Round of 32. The losing team could still advance as one of the tournament’s eight best third-place finishers. If the match ends in a draw, second place will be decided by goal differential, where Australia currently owns the edge.
Paraguay vs. Australia Current Odds
Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook lists both teams at plus money heading into kickoff, reflecting expectations for what could be a closely contested match with so much on the line. However, Paraguay is listed as the favorite.
- Paraguay: +160
- Australia: +350
- Draw/Tie: +125
Paraguay vs. Australia Predictions
The Stats Hub at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook offers soccer betting insights, trends, trackers, and standings throughout the 2026 World Cup, along with picks like the one below:
Paraguay vs. Australia Best Bet: Under 2.5 Goals
Outside of an own goal against the United States, Paraguay has scored just two goals of its own through two matches and hasn’t generated many dangerous attacking opportunities. Australia also surrendered an own goal against the United States and has likewise scored just two goals of its own in this year’s tournament without consistently threatening opposing defenses.
While a victory guarantees a spot in the knockout stage, a draw could still be enough for both teams depending on other results. That scenario could lead to a cautious approach, making a low-scoring match a real possibility.
It’s also worth noting that the Under 2.5 Goals market has hit in regulation in 10 of Paraguay’s last 11 World Cup matches. The same market has also cashed in each of Australia’s last four World Cup group-stage matches.
- Paraguay vs. Australia Game Prop Pick for June 25: Under 2.5 Goals (-325)
Popular Props for Paraguay vs. Australia
Player prop markets are heating up for Thursday night’s Group D showdown with the No. 2 spot on the line:
- Julio Enciso – Shots On Target Over 0.5
- Isidro Pitta – Anytime Goalscorer
- Julio Enciso – To Score or Assist
Paraguay & Australia World Cup Winner Odds
Although at least one of these teams will join Team USA in the Round of 32, neither Paraguay nor Australia is expected to make a deep run. They carry the second- and third-longest odds, respectively, to win the 2026 World Cup:
- Paraguay to win the World Cup: +50000
- Australia to win the World Cup: +100000
Paraguay vs. Australia Match Info
- 📍 Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
- 📅 Date: Thursday, June 25
- ⏰ Start Time: 10:00 PM ET
- 📺 Where to Watch: FS1, Universo, FOX One
- 🏆 Stage: World Cup Group Stage
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Referenced odds are subject to change.
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