Paraguay vs. Australia: Popovic Forced Into Changes After Fresh Socceroos Injury Blow
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
Italiano Ruled Out of Group D Finale in Santa Clara
Group D at the 2026 World Cup heads into its finale tonight, and the standout fixture in this section comes from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, where Paraguay will be taking on Australia in a straight shootout for qualification to the knockout rounds.
As explained in detail in our Paraguay vs Australia prediction, La Albirroja and the Socceroos head into tonight’s contest locked level on three points apiece, but Tony Popovic’s side have the advantage in the standings owing to a better goal difference of two.
2026 World Cup: Standings Ahead of Group D Finale
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States (H, A) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| 2 | Australia | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| 3 | Paraguay | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | −2 | 3 |
| 4 | Turkey (Eliminated) | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | −3 | 0 |
However, the Socceroos have been handed a significant setback in the lead-up to this crucial clash, after a second player from their starting lineup against group leaders the USA was forced to pull out of the squad owing to an injury.
The player in question is right-back Jacob Italiano, who sustained an adductor injury during training this week. He now joins Mat Leckie on the sidelines after the winger suffered a hamstring strain against the USA, which he has not recovered from as yet. Speaking to the media about the setbacks, Popovic said:
“We’re always considering all possibilities because we’ve always shown faith in every player that’s here. Since we’ve started this journey, every player that’s in our squad knows he has a chance of playing and that’s no different for tomorrow.”
Australia will guarantee second place in the group with either a win or a draw against Paraguay, who will have to make do without suspended winger Miguel Almiron. The former Newcastle man was shown red during La Albirroja’s 1-0 victory over Turkiye for covering his mouth while addressing match officials.
Popovic Faces Selection Dilemmas For Paraguay Clash
Following confirmation of the injuries to Italiano and Leckie, Popovic now has two big calls to make around who will replace the stricken duo in tonight’s winner-takes-all Group D clash against Paraguay in Santa Clara. Check out our 2026 World Cup predictions for all the team news ahead of tonight’s matches.
Jason Geria and Kai Trewin are considered the leading contenders to step into the side, having both featured prominently in recent matches. Geria operated on the right side of central defence against the USA, while Trewin started at full-back in a warm-up match against Switzerland.
However, Popovic has not ruled out the possibility of altering his formation to compensate for Italiano’s absence!
The decision over Leckie’s replacement is far less straightforward. Nestory Irankunda, Connor Metcalfe and Cristian Volpato have all earned consideration for inclusion, with Volpato particularly impressive after making an impact during the final 30 minutes against the USA.
