FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE updates: Jordan and Algeria in action; Norway up 1-0 against Senegal; France win 3-0 against Iraq; Messi creates history as Argentina beat Austria

22 Jun 2026, 17:33 by Frances Howe, Nick Ralston · WAtoday

11.24am

‘Game of life or death’: Paraguay ready for Socceroos

By Anna Harrington

Few people can claim to be as familiar with both Paraguay and the Socceroos ahead of their World Cup clash as Fernando Romero.

The only Paraguayan to play in the A-League Men, Romero worked under Tony Popovic and alongside Jason Geria, Paul Izzo and Nishan Velupillay at Melbourne Victory, scoring twice in 10 games in 2023.

Paraguay players pose before their match against Turkey.

Romero, 26, also played alongside many Paraguay players at youth international level, and with and against others in the country’s top domestic league.

He is good friends with midfielder Damian Bobadilla and played with Matias Galarza, who scored against Turkey, and several others.