Match Details and Broadcast Information
The Socceroos face Paraguay on Friday 26 June 2026 at 12pm AEST at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. Every World Cup match is broadcast live on SBS and SBS Viceland, with streaming via SBS On Demand. The Guardian is live-blogging all 104 matches, with reporter Jack Snape covering the Socceroos on the ground as part of a 15-strong team of correspondents across Canada, Mexico, and the US, plus journalists in Australia providing local reaction.
Group D Standings and Qualification Scenarios
Australia sits second in Group D with 3 points, level with Paraguay but ahead on goal difference. The USA has already secured top spot with 6 points, while Turkey is eliminated with 0 points. The top two teams advance to the last 32, along with the eight best third-placed teams. Australia and Paraguay are battling for second and third place. Possible knockout matches for Australia include facing Germany, a Group I winner, or teams from Groups G, K, or others depending on their final position.
Socceroos Squad and Selection Changes
Coach Tony Popovic announced a 26-man squad after a 1-0 loss to Mexico. Notable inclusions are uncapped strikers Cristian Volpato, who switched allegiance from Italy, and Tete Yengi. Omissions include Kye Rowles, Brandon Borello, and Martin Boyle. Veterans Mathew Leckie, Harry Souttar, Maty Ryan, Jackson Irvine, and Aziz Behich remain, while Mo Touré and Nestory Irankunda are ready up front. Changes are expected for the Paraguay game, according to Jack Snape.
Live Sites Across Australia
After a brief ban, the Socceroos return to Federation Square in Melbourne. Other live sites include: New South Wales: Parramatta Square, Tumbalong Park, Allianz Stadium, and regional venues like Jamberoo Pub. Victoria: Federation Square, AAMI Park, Marvel Stadium, and regional sites in Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Traralgon, and Shepparton. Other states: The Drive in Adelaide, Northbridge Piazza in Perth, Southbank in Brisbane, and Darwin Football Stadium.
Tournament Format and Hosts
The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada—the first three-nation hosting. There are 16 host cities split into western, central, and eastern regions. Group D features the USA (world No. 16), Turkey (No. 22), Australia (No. 27), and Paraguay (No. 40). Italy failed to qualify for the third consecutive time.
Previous World Cup Performance
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Socceroos lost 1-2 to eventual champions Argentina in the round of 16, earning praise for their performance.
Key Stories Off the Pitch
Issues include inflated ticket and transport costs, concerns about unsafe heat conditions and environmental impact, and ICE involvement in security raising human rights concerns. Iran moved their base from Arizona to Mexico amid tensions with the US.
