The final matches of Group D in the World Cup will occur this morning, starting at 05:00. Paraguay will go head-to-head with Australia while Turkey takes on the USA. These pivotal matches will be broadcast live from Santa Clara and Los Angeles on Antena 3 CNN and Antena 1.
Group D Scenarios:
The USA has already secured the top spot in Group D and will advance to the knockout stage, where they will face one of the best third-place teams from Groups B, E, F, I, or J. FIFA has outlined 495 possible combinations for the knockout bracket.
Paraguay must win against Australia to claim second place and secure direct qualification to the knockout phase. A draw could also see them advance, provided they rank among the top eight third-place teams. Even a loss may leave them with a chance, but poor goal difference could significantly hinder their prospects.
On the other hand, Australia will progress to the round of 16 if they avoid a loss to Paraguay. A defeat could drop them to third place, making their advancement contingent on the results of other matches.
Turkey is already eliminated from the tournament, having lost to both Australia and Paraguay, and cannot escape last place in the group, regardless of the outcome against the USA.
The second-placed team from Group D will face the second-placed team from Group G in the next round.
Live Match Updates for Paraguay vs. Australia:
Follow live updates and key statistics for the match.
Broadcast: Antena 3 CNN
Projected Lineups for Paraguay vs. Australia:
Paraguay (4-4-2): Gill – Caceres, Gomez, Alderete, Alonso – Mauricio, Cubas, Gomez, Galarza – Enciso, Pitta
Coach: Gustavo Alfaro
Australia (5-4-1): Beach – Geria, Circati, Souttar, Burgess, Bos – Metcalfe, O’Neill, Okon-Engstler, Irankunda – Toure
Coach: Tony Popovic
Stadium: Levi’s Stadium (68,500 capacity)
Referee: Clement Turpin (France)
“I tell my players to treat this game as if it were our last. I hope we can earn the right to play another match. We have prepared for this with this goal in mind. The opponent presents different characteristics, which adds another layer of difficulty for us. There will be very little space on the field, making it challenging to progress, as there will be a high density of players in certain areas. They are a very modest team that keeps things simple. Therefore, we believe in divine justice. I hope it will be on our side this time.” – Gustavo Alfaro, Coach of Paraguay
“Whoever starts knows they can lay the foundation for a solid performance, and those who come in later are capable of finishing what we started. I am satisfied with all the players. Each match and situation is different. I am very confident the boys are well-prepared and excited for this opportunity. We are here because we deserve it, and before the final stage, we have a chance to qualify for the knockout rounds. I know the boys will accept this challenge with enthusiasm and are ready for it.” – Tony Popovic, Coach of Australia
Historically, Paraguay and Australia have met once in an unofficial friendly match on October 9, 2010, which ended in a 1-0 victory for the Socceroos, courtesy of a goal from David Carney.
Live Match Updates for Turkey vs. USA:
Follow live updates and key statistics for the match.
Broadcast: Antena 1
Projected Lineups for Turkey vs. USA:
Turkey (4-2-3-1): Cakir – Muldur, Demiral, Bardakci, Kadioglu – Calhanoglu, Yuksek – Uzun, Guler, Yildiz – Gul
Coach: Vincenzo Montella
USA (4-2-3-1): Turner – Scally, Trusty, McKenzie, Arfsten – Berhalter, Tillman – Weah, Reyna, Zedejas – Wright
Coach: Mauricio Pochettino
Stadium: SoFi Stadium (70,000 capacity)
Referee: Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)
“These are our boys, our players, they are the future of football. I have seen personal attacks that I cannot accept, as it feels like attacking your own son. I cannot accept this. I will always support them because they deserve it, and I will be there for them. We cannot destroy everyone. I don’t want my boys to be influenced by what people say, but I have seen their expressions and realized these things affect them.” – Vincenzo Montella, Coach of Turkey
“We don’t need to take risks. This is a World Cup match. Turkey’s squad is very talented. Although they have been eliminated, we have a match to play tomorrow and do not expect it to be easy. It’s not my place to analyze why they were eliminated, but looking at their past performances, I believe they deserved more from their early matches. We expect to face a very competitive opponent that will play for pride. Our main goal remains victory in tomorrow’s match, and we will field a fully prepared starting eleven to achieve success. We want to enter the knockout stage with maximum momentum.” – Mauricio Pochettino, Coach of the USA
Turkey and the USA have met three times in friendly matches, with Turkey winning twice and the USA winning once.
