Paraguay vs Australia - World Cup

The World Cup returns to the home ground on June 26, 2026, where Paraguay and Australia will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

Both Paraguay and Australia will be eager to build momentum when they meet in World Cup. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. Australia's away form is hard to read, but they will arrive with the belief that they can trouble their hosts. The Saudi Pro League side have now placed a €45 million package on the table, while Watkins himself is understood to be open to making the move.

The tactical subplot is compelling: Paraguay favour a possession-based game built on patience and control, while Australia are happiest sitting deep and exploding forward on the counter — a classic contrast of philosophies. Tottenham have changed their approach and are spending big on players who already know the Premier League.

Individual moments of quality could tip the balance. Both sides possess players capable of producing something out of nothing, and a single flash of brilliance may be all that separates them. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Liverpool have big hopes for Jeremy Jacquet having invested £60m to bring the highly regarded young central defender to Anfield this summer.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 1-1 draw feels like a fitting result. Whatever the outcome, the World Cup fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. The club are understood to favour a profile closer to Aurelien Tchouameni or a Premier League‑proven alternative rather than Manu Kone.