With the USA and Turkey having already claimed first and last place in Group D respectively, the final matchday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara is effectively a knockout game. Paraguay and Australia arrive level on points, but Australia hold the edge on goal difference — a draw sends them through, while Paraguay need a win to guarantee their passage into the last 16. What's at stake makes this one of the most compelling matches of the group stage.
Match Context
Paraguay arrive buoyed by their 1-0 victory over Turkey, a result that breathed life back into their campaign and revived memories of their last World Cup run to the quarter-finals in South Africa 2010. A win here would also give them two group stage victories in a single World Cup for the first time in nine attempts — and history strongly suggests they can do it: Paraguay have not lost any of their last six matchday three fixtures in the group stage (W3, D3). Their most significant absence for this one is Miguel Almirón, a key creative figure in their midfield.
Australia enter with a disappointing defeat still fresh. The Socceroos' 2-0 loss to hosts USA ended a ten-match unbeaten competitive run (W6, D4) and exposed real attacking limitations — only two shots on target against the Americans, and multiple goals scored in just two of their last ten matches. Head coach Tony Popovic is aiming for back-to-back World Cup knockouts for the first time in Australian football history. But there is a notable stat working against them: Australia have never beaten a CONMEBOL nation at the World Cup finals (D1, L4). A draw, at least, keeps them safe.
The head-to-head tells an interesting story: Australia have gone five games without defeat against Paraguay (W2, D3), with their last meeting a 1-0 friendly win in 2010. Thursday marks their first ever World Cup encounter.
Kickoff Details
| Date | June 25, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 20:00 h (Mexico City time) |
| Venue | Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California |
| Group | Group D — Matchday 3 |
Where to Watch in Mexico City
Mexico City has options for catching this June 25 showdown. For a bar setting with food, El Morral restaurant in Coyoacán is showing the match.
For a bigger crowd experience, CDMX has seven active public screens and fan zones on June 25. The FIFA Fan Festival in the Historic Downtown is the city's main gathering spot with free access. You can also head to Parque La Bombilla (Álvaro Obregón), Parque Tezozómoc (Azcapotzalco), Campos Revolución (Gustavo A. Madero), or Deportivo Xochimilco, among other venues across the city.
👉 See all venues showing the match in Mexico City
Why Watch at a Fan Zone?
A level on points, a tighter goal difference than it looks, and a head-to-head record that splits the narrative — this is exactly the kind of match that rewards watching with a crowd. Consult real-time occupancy for each venue and find the best spot for you at fanzones.io.
Match data provided by the Fanzones editorial team. Listed venues have declared their broadcast on fanzones.io.