Soccer-Australia defender Italiano ruled out of Paraguay match

Soccer Football - International Friendly - Switzerland v Australia - Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California, U.S. - June 6, 2026 Australia's Jacob Italiano applauds fans after the match IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Denis Poroy

SANTA CLARA, ⁠California, June ⁠24 (Reuters) - Australia full back ‌Jacob Italiano has been ruled out of the ​World Cup Group ⁠D clash ⁠against Paraguay due to ⁠an ‌adductor injury, coach Tony ⁠Popovic said on Wednesday.

Italiano, ​who ‌started both Australia’s opening ⁠games, ​suffered the injury during training.

His absence ⁠will prompt a ​reshuffle in defence, with Jason Geria and Aziz ⁠Behich among potential replacements.

Australia need a win or a ​draw on ⁠Thursday to reach the ​round of ‌32.

(Reporting by ​Ian Ransom; Editing by Ed Osmond)