What will be the final chapter for Group D? Heading into the third and decisive matchday late Thursday into Friday, two things are certain: the United States, with two wins from two, have already secured a spot in the Round of 16 and will finish top of the group. Their opponents this night in Los Angeles, Turkey, are already eliminated. So this fixture may not be the most thrilling of the tournament, carrying no competitive stakes for either side.

Attack or run down the clock?

But expecting plenty of goals and drama is far from guaranteed in the other Group D match between Paraguay and Australia. That game, happening simultaneously in Santa Clara near San Francisco, carries significant weight: the runner-up spot. However, both teams are level on three points, with the Socceroos holding second place ahead of Paraguay on goal difference (0 to -2). If they share a draw, they would be almost certain to reach the Round of 16, because under the new 48-team format, four points should be enough to finish among the eight best third‑placed sides. That would virtually seal Paraguay’s place in the knockout stage.

Will these two teams fight for the second position and throw everything into winning, or will they settle for a stalemate that serves both? Everything is possible, but World Cup history has already seen low‑energy third group matches where opponents simply passed the ball and let the clock run. In any case, the Australians and Paraguayans will have a clearer picture after the final standings of the two groups playing before them (E and F). If results go their way, staying awake until 4 a.m. may not be the best advice…