Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterAustralia vs Paraguay will be a fascinating watch for the neutral, with either side looking to claim second spot in a quietly competitive Group D.The Socceroos hit the ground running at the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Turkey, while Paraguay fell 4-1 to the USA.In the second round of fixtures, the roles were reversed: USA prevailed over Australia with a 2-0 scoreline, and Paraguay stuttered to a 1-0 victory against Turkey.Play our FREE match predictor and win �1kAustralia vs Paraguay prediction in Group D: Will Nestory Irankunda etch his name into 2026 World Cup history?FourFourTwo doesn't like to only rely on statistics, but for a near guaranteed dogfight in Australia vs Paraguay, they're of help.In Australia's sole victory of the tournament, the Socceroos fell on the xG scoreline vs Turkey, with 1.18 to their opponent's 1.36. You may like How to watch Paraguay vs Australia for FREE Turkey vs Paraguay predictions as both sides look to turn around World Cup fortunes Australia vs Turkiye prediction after United States set Group D standard Against the USA, they lost out again, but actually lost, this time, with 0.35 xG to the Americans' 1.08.In not so great contrast, Paraguay lost 4-1 to the USA, recording over one xG less than their opposition.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Against Turkey? An even more tragic story for the Turkish fans, losing 1-0 to Paraguay despite recording almost two full xG more than their opposition.The statistics paint a clear picture: Australia and Paraguay are, hilariously, the two worst chance-creating sides in Group D.What they are, however, is more clinical than Turkey, and less so than the USMNT, but their underperformance is virtually identical. What to read next How to watch Turkey vs Paraguay for FREE USA vs Australia predictions as USMNT look to take a step closer to the World Cup knockout stages United States vs Australia prediction as clash of styles sets stage for intriguing encounter This is amplified by Paraguay's red card vs Turkey, the first ever for a mouth covering incident.That explains the greater disparity in xG than the Socceroos in their win, making them incredibly similar attacking sides in regard to conversion and chance creation.So, what will this come down to? Australia boast a slightly more robust midfield, a better shot-stopper, but a marginally inferior defence.The result? A game-breaker. Specifically by the name of Nestory Irankunda.The youngster's name has felt destined to be etched into World Cup history since his Luis Suarez-esque strike in the Socceroos' opener against Turkey, and this is his stage.Prediction: After a tight first half, with the Socceroos leading by one at the break, Paraguay will respond before Irankunda strikes just after the 70th.Score: Australia 2-1 ParaguayTOPICSAustraliaParaguayKedar BayleySocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterKedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC,he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television,you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.
