Shake-up in Santa Clara: Irankunda and Volpato to start in high-stakes Socceroos clash

Tony Popovic makes six sweeping changes as Australia looks to secure a FIFA World Cup knockout spot against Paraguay.

The tension in Santa Clara is palpable as the Socceroos prepare for a defining encounter in their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. With a spot in the knockout stages hanging in the balance, manager Tony Popovic has opted for a bold tactical pivot, signaling his intent to break down a resilient Paraguay side. After weeks of intense debate across platforms like football360 regarding team balance, the long-awaited inclusion of Nestory Irankunda and Cristian Volpato in the starting XI is finally official.

A new look for the Socceroos

Popovic has swung the axe, making six changes to the lineup that faced the United States. Irankunda, who showcased his attacking flair against Türkiye, returns to lead the line in place of Mohamed Toure. Alongside him, Volpato will take up a role as an inverting winger, pairing with Connor Metcalfe to provide creative depth. The defensive reshuffle is equally significant; Lucas Herrington steps in as the left-sided centre-back, while Aziz Behich shifts to the right to cover for the injured Jacob Italiano.

The injection of youth is historic. At just 18 years, nine months, and 20 days, Herrington’s inclusion makes him the youngest player ever to start a men’s World Cup match for Australia, eclipsing the record Irankunda set only a fortnight ago. With Jackson Irvine and Aiden O'Neill anchoring the midfield, the side possesses a blend of tenacity and technical pace required to dismantle a disciplined La Albirroja setup.

Why it matters

For the Socceroos, the stakes in this paraguay vs australia showdown are binary. Sitting on three points, Australia holds a superior goal difference over their opponents. A draw is enough to guarantee a second-place finish in Group D, effectively bypassing the uncertainty of the third-place standings. However, the psychological weight of this match is heavy; falling to third would likely set up a daunting Round of 32 clash against Germany, whereas a result tonight opens a clearer path toward the Dallas fixtures in July.

Tactical implications

Popovic’s selection headache has dominated the headlines, with critics and fans alike questioning if a "dream" front three could ever coexist. By benching veterans and trusting his younger stars, the manager is betting on individual brilliance to break the deadlock. The shift to a back three, featuring Herrington, suggests a focus on ball progression from the defensive third, a clear response to the struggles seen in previous group games. Whether this gamble pays off or leaves the Socceroos vulnerable to the counter-attack remains the defining question of the night.