Tony Popovic has rung the changes as he seeks to revitalise a side that lost to the USA in their second World Cup match.
The Socceroos still have their qualification destiny in their own hands with a point enough to see them qualify second in the group.
After serious questions had been raised about his team selection for that loss against America, Popovic has once again made a number of bold choices.
As expected, in come Nestory Irankunda, Connor Metcalfe and Cristian Volpato. They are joined by Lucas Herrington, who is making his World Cup debut, and the experienced Jackson Irvine and Aziz Behich.
With Mohamed Toure dropped to the bench, Irankunda will lead the line as he did off the bench against America, with Metcalfe retaking his place on the wing.
Cristian Volpato has been handed his first start of the 2026 World Cup after he impressed off the bench against America.
Tony Popovic has made six changes ahead of Australia’s clash with Paraguay
Nestory Irankunda has been brought in to the lead the line as the Socceroos aim to qualify for the knockout stages
Connor Metcalfe, who found the back of the net against Turkiye, has also regained his spot in the starting XI
Aziz Behich has also been called up to start for the Socceroos
Volpato looked to make things happen as he came on for the injured Mathew Leckie and was a constant threat for the Socceroos.
He did, however, spurn a great opportunity to get his side back into the game when he snatched at an effort, slashing it high and wide from just inside the box.
Connor Metcalfe has earned a second start after he came on to replace the ineffective Nishan Velupillay in the last game.
It was Metcalfe who wrapped up the points against Turkiye with a wonderful effort from all of 25 yards that rasped into the bottom corner, and they will need that sort of desire to shoot if they are to pick up three points today.
Lucas Herrington will become the youngest player to start for the Socceroos at the World Cup
Lucas Herrington will become the youngest player to start at a World Cup for the Socceroos as he steps in for the injured Jacob Italiano.
Herrington, 18, though inexperienced, has captured the attention of a number of big teams around Europe including Barcelona.
He will be thrust into the spotlight, expected to start on the right-hand side of Australia’s back three alongside Alessandro Circatti and Harry Souttar.
With a fee of around $5 million already bid by the Blaugrana, the Colorado Rapids star has a chance to increase his value with a good performance.
Ex-Brisbane Roar coach Ruben Zadkovic was full of praise for the big defender when speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald.
‘I just hadn’t seen anything like the level of detail of Lucas on the ball, and his understanding, his technical ability – and also the way he defended moments was something that I hadn’t seen in nearly any player,’ Zadkovic said.
That sentiment was echoed by Australia national coach Tony Popovic ahead of the World Cup, who said, ‘When I saw him train, I thought “yes, he’s 18, so you can find an excuse not to play him if you want.”
‘But… then you go out there. He’s quite young, isn’t he? You’ve got [Alessandro Circatti] next to him, so two young players together there,’ he said. ‘Hopefully, that’s a sign of the future for the national team at the back.’
Cristian Volpato who impressed against the Americans has also earned a start against Paraguay
Experienced Jackson Irvine will partner Aiden O’Neil in midfield as Popovic looks to settle a midifield that struggled against Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie
Jackson Irvine, who is yet to feature at this World Cup, will be making his 10th appearance at World Cups, having played in the 2018 and 2022 tournaments for the Socceroos.
Paul Okon-Engstler is the man who made way for Irvine, with Popovic clearly deciding that a more experienced head is needed in the centre of the park.
An area in which they particularly struggled against America, as Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie enjoyed the freedom of Seattle.
Popovic’s chopping and changing goes against the conventional wisdom of continuity at a major tournament being key; he got his team selection right against Turkiye.
He certainly didn’t against America, and he has rolled the dice once again as his side seek at least a point to qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup.
