World ChampionshipJun 25, 2026By Mark Twain

Australia Face Defining World Cup Test as Popovic Backs His Decisions Despite Injury Concerns

Australia's World Cup journey has reached its biggest moment.

The Socceroos head into their final Group D clash against Paraguay knowing that a victory—or even a draw—will guarantee their place in the Round of 32.

But with injuries mounting and criticism growing over recent team selections, head coach Tony Popovic insists his side remains fully focused on finishing the job.

One Step Away From History

Australia have put themselves in a strong position after two contrasting performances.

An impressive 2-0 victory over Turkey gave the Socceroos the perfect start before they were brought back down to earth with a 2-0 defeat against tournament hosts the United States.

Despite the setback, qualification remains firmly in Australia's hands.

Avoid defeat against Paraguay, and the Socceroos will secure their place in the knockout rounds.

Even a narrow loss could still prove enough, depending on results elsewhere, but Popovic has no interest in relying on mathematics.

For him, there is only one objective.

Win.

Defensive Headaches Before Kick-Off

Preparation for the decisive encounter has been far from ideal.

Right-back Alessandro Circati Italiano suffered an injury during training after featuring in both of Australia's opening matches.

The defender is undergoing further medical examinations to determine the severity of the problem, leaving Popovic with an unwanted selection dilemma.

Jason Geria, who replaced Italiano against Turkey, is among the leading candidates to step into the starting lineup.

Meanwhile, Australia have also lost experienced winger Matthew Leckie, who has been ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury.

His absence further reduces Australia's options in wide areas ahead of the biggest match of the group stage.

Calls Grow for Irankunda

One of the biggest talking points surrounding the Socceroos has been Popovic's decision to leave Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe on the bench against the United States.

The duo were the heroes of Australia's opening victory over Turkey, scoring both goals in a confident 2-0 win.

Their absence from the starting eleven drew widespread criticism from former Socceroos players and Australian media after Australia struggled badly in the opening half against the Americans.

Many supporters are now calling for Irankunda's explosive pace and direct attacking style to return from the first whistle against Paraguay.

Popovic Refuses to Back Down

Despite the criticism, Popovic remains convinced he made the correct decision.

The Australian manager insists the issue was not team selection but the level of performance shown during the opening 45 minutes.

"We're comfortable with the players we chose," Popovic explained.

"I wouldn't change the lineup."

"What I would change is how we performed in the first half."

The coach believes his players have learned valuable lessons from the defeat and expects a much stronger display in the decisive group-stage finale.

"I'm confident we'll be better against Paraguay," he said.

"And hopefully, we'll earn our place in the next round."

Full Focus on Victory

Interestingly, Popovic shares a personal connection with Australia's upcoming opponents.

The former defender played his final international match against Paraguay two decades ago, scoring what appeared to be the winning goal before an unfortunate own goal denied the Socceroos victory.

Now, history presents him with another opportunity.

This time, a draw would be enough to guide Australia into the knockout rounds.

Yet Popovic refuses to approach the match with a defensive mindset.

"We know that nothing is given to you at a World Cup," he said.

"We have to earn everything."

Australia may have multiple qualification scenarios working in their favour, but inside the dressing room there is only one message.

Attack.

Compete.

Win.