After an initial performance that did not meet expectations against the United States, the Paraguayan team showed recovery in the World Cup and continues to have a chance of advancing to the final round of the group stage. This Thursday (25), Albirroja faces Australia at 11pm (Brasília time), in Santa Clara, in the United States, in a decisive match for Key D of the tournament.
The team led by coach Gustavo Alfaro is expected to present a significant change: the inclusion of Maurício among the athletes who start the match. The Palmeiras midfielder is the main candidate to fill Miguel Almirón’s place, who is suspended after being sent off in the victory against Turkey.
The player, who scored Paraguay’s only goal in their debut defeat to the Americans, started the second round on the bench. However, he gained prominence and confidence in subsequent training, and now he should be selected for one of his team’s most important games at this World Cup.
Alfaro shows confidence in Maurício joining the Paraguayan team
In a press conference held last Wednesday (24), Gustavo Alfaro commented on the athlete’s qualities and signaled his conviction in choosing Maurício.
“Maurício can provide us with tranquility, organization and the ability to interact with Enciso. Miguel has a more direct style and plays predominantly on the flanks. Both are high quality players, with different characteristics, but both can adapt to the tactical scheme”, explained the commander.
The dispute in Group D maintains the atmosphere of a big decision. The United States team has already secured first place and its spot in the knockout stages. Australia and Paraguay, both with three points, compete directly for the second available spot, while Turkey reaches the final round with no chance of qualifying.
A victory guarantees Albirroja in the round of 16 of the competition. If the match ends in a draw, the Paraguayans will still need to wait for the tiebreaker criteria to be analyzed to maintain their dream of qualifying.
Likely lineups for Paraguay in crucial game
- Orlando Gill
- Gustavo Gómez
- Omar Alderete
- Junior Alonso
- Juan Caceres
- Diego Gómez
- Mauritius
- Matías Galarza
- Andrés Cubas
- Julio Enciso
- Isidro Pitta
The clash is scheduled for June 25, 2026, starting at 11pm (Brasília time), and will be held at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, located in Santa Clara, United States.