Paraguay

United States, as hosts, hold a clear edge in quality over Paraguay. Expect the Americans to control possession and create chances through Christian Pulisic. Paraguay will rely on counters but lack the firepower to match. A 2-1 win for the USA is most likely.

Both teams lost their Group D openers — Turkey 2-0 to Australia, Paraguay 4-1 to the USA — leaving each on 0 points and needing a result to stay in contention. At a neutral venue (Levi's Stadium, USA), there is no home advantage for Turkey, undercutting the prior 2-1 prediction. Turkey's defeat was less dramatic, but Paraguay's heavy loss suggests defensive issues, though one game is a small sample. No injury or lineup news is available. Given the stakes and the sides' comparable quality, a tight, cautious match is likely. A draw is a plausible outcome, keeping both mathematically alive. Turkey may shade possession, but Paraguay's counterattacking threat — led by Almirón — can punish. Scoreline reflects a balanced contest with limited clear chances. Confidence is low due to minimal evidence; squad announcements could shift probabilities.

Australia enter with confidence after a composed 2-0 victory over Turkey, while Paraguay were outclassed in a 4-1 loss to the USA. Group D standings make this a virtual must-win for Paraguay, but their defensive frailties against the USA suggest vulnerability against Australia's organized side. Given the evidence, Australia are slight favorites, though Paraguay's desperation could lead to a tight contest. A draw is plausible as both sides may cancel each other out in a nervy affair. Star player Miguel Almirón's creativity and pace could unlock Australia's defense, but Australia's collective form gives them the edge.