Australia make late changes as Jacob Italiano ruled out for Paraguay World Cup decider

Australia will be forced into selection changes for their final FIFA World Cup Group D match against Paraguay in Santa Clara after right-back Jacob Italiano was ruled out with an adductor injury sustained in training. The development, confirmed ahead of the fixture on 26 June (kick-off 02:00 UTC, Friday 5am AEST), means Italiano joins winger Mat Leckie — who suffered a hamstring strain against the USA — on the sidelines. A win or a draw will secure Australia second place in Group D.

What we know so far

The Guardian reports that Italiano picked up the adductor problem during a training session this week and will not be available for the Group D finale in Santa Clara. Leckie, who started against the USA, was already confirmed absent after sustaining a hamstring strain in that match. The fixture is scheduled for 02:00 UTC on 26 June, with Australia able to guarantee second place in the group with a win or draw.

Why it matters

Losing two starters in the space of days complicates selection and tactical planning for a decisive fixture. Right-back and wide options are areas directly affected: Italiano's absence removes a defensive option who had been selected in the starting XI against the USA, while Leckie's unavailability reduces established attacking depth. With qualification on the line, Australia must reshuffle while managing fitness and risk ahead of a match they can treat as a must-not-lose scenario for finishing second in the group.

Implications for selection and approach

The reports do not name replacements or confirm whether Australia will make a like-for-like swap at right-back or adjust their formation. Managerial choices will depend on the available squad members and whether the coaching staff prefer an attacking or conservative approach given that a draw would be enough to secure second place. The absence of two experienced players may push younger squad members into starting roles or prompt tactical tweaks to protect unfamiliar defensive pairings.

• Jacob Italiano ruled out with an adductor injury suffered in training.
• Mat Leckie remains unavailable after a hamstring strain sustained against the USA.
• Paraguay v Australia in Santa Clara is scheduled for 26 June, 02:00 UTC (Friday 5am AEST).
• A win or draw will secure Australia second place in Group D.

Match context and stakes

With the final group match determining which team finishes second, Australia enter the game under pressure to avoid defeat. The squad change comes late in the build-up and will test the team's depth and the coaching staff's ability to adapt. Paraguay will face an Australian side missing two starters, but Australia still control their destiny: a draw or victory guarantees the runners-up spot in Group D.

What happens next

Australia are expected to name their revised matchday squad and starting XI in the usual team news window before kick-off. The club will likely monitor the players' fitness and issue an official medical update if required; until then the team must prepare without Italiano and Leckie. Fans should watch for the official squad announcement and any manager comments in the pre-match press conference for clarity on replacements and tactical plans.