In a variety of ways, the Cincinnati Bengals went all-in this offseason. 

Going all-in with Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter at linebacker is certainly one of those. 

It seemed obvious that the Bengals would add at least one veteran linebacker this offseason after not doing so one year ago, then getting the disastrous results from the positional group. 

But the Bengals have now made it through minicamp and have yet to notably add to the roster at that spot despite free agency still offering some value.

By far the most popular name in that regard is Bobby Wagner. 

But while outlining one final move each team should make, ESPN’s Aaron Schatz focuses on Bobby Okereke for the Bengals. 

“He's much more of a run stopper than a pass coverage guy, but so is Wagner at this point, and Okereke is less likely to be in decline as he turns 30 in late July,” Schatz wrote. “And like Wagner, Okereke is a high-character locker room influence, as he was the Giants' nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award last season.”

Soon to be 30 and a former third-round pick, Okereke is certainly another veteran option the Bengals could look at as quality depth and leadership. 

That's something the Bengals could look for during training camp, should the need arise. But they found the veteran leadership for the defense in other areas with names like Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen. 

The spotlight, then, will be on whether Knight and Carter start proving the organization right on the field during camp.

This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals could still add key free agent during training camp

Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland. Three of the best players on the planet, each linked at this World Cup in that they scored a brace in their opening games.

This tally was only surpassed by one man. Lionel Messi, the player who has spent 15 years surpassing all of his contemporaries, scored a hat-trick as Argentina beat Algeria.

He followed that triple with a brace against Austria in his second game. It was a real statement start from a man many believe is still the world’s best player. At this World Cup, it feels like there might only be one man who can keep up with him.

Just a few hours after the Argentine had become the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history, the man who is best-placed to inherit his crown delivered his own World Cup statement, as Kylian Mbappe helped France secure a place in the last 32 with a commanding win over Iraq.

“Messi, it’s clear,” answered Mbappe when asked who was best out of himself, Messi, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland in the build-up to the game.

“For me, it’s not a question in my head,” he went on to explain, highlighting that the only thing that matters now is helping France to win a third World Cup. Anyone watching the action in Philadelphia would be forgiven for thinking slightly differently.

Mbappe, himself fresh off becoming his country’s top all-time goalscorer after his brace against Senegal, was making his 100th appearance for Les Blues. But as soon as this match kicked off, it certainly felt like the all-time World Cup scoring record was also on his mind.

The France striker was on the front foot from the off, and it was strangely suitable that he was scythed down by Amir Al Ammari so cynically early on. Perhaps that is the only way to stop him.

Mbappe’s early combinations with both Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele were an exciting reminder that this France squad possesses an unrivalled depth of attacking talent, and while they could not find the final ball early on, it was clear that they were here to make a statement.

For Mbappe specifically, some showmanship on the right wing suggested that he was in the mood to entertain, and he didn’t take long to deliver on that promise as he scored a superb opener.

Receiving the ball just outside the area, and with Iraq affording him far too much space, he needed no invitation to rifle a ferocious strike into the far corner past a helpless Ahmed Basil. It was ruthlessly efficient and made to look so easy, as if it had been scored in a YouTube video filmed during a training exercise.

That was the only goal of the first half at the Philadelphia Stadium, and the action on the pitch gave way to action off it as a thunderstorm moved in, delaying the start of the second half by two hours as drenched fans packed the concourses and the seats emptied.

As the rain continued to hammer down, the storm circling around the Philadelphia Stadium at half-time felt like a suitable metaphor for Iraq. France were not going to lose their rhythm, and it was only going to get more difficult from here.

It was not long before Iraq conceded again. If the first goal had required remarkable skill, the second required almost none, with Ahmed Basil failing to control a simple pass before Dembele squared it for Mbappe to tap into an empty net. The Frenchman was not about to let the weather – or Messi – steal the show.

While the rain in Philly subsided, the France onslaught did not. Mbappe remained at the heart of things, showing some stunning touches in such difficult conditions and almost grabbing an assist as he took down a pass brilliantly before laying it off to Olise, whose sumptuous lob had Basil flailing before it bounced back off the crossbar.

Olise remained at the heart of things throughout, the orchestrator to Mbappe the finisher, and he had his moment late on, sliding a great pass into the path of Dembele, who lasered a low finish into the corner to seal the result.

Though they would be expected to win this game easily, France beat Iraq in a manner that was eye-catching in its ruthlessness and quality, in stark contrast to how teams such as Spain and Portugal have toiled against lesser sides at this tournament.

As always, Mbappe was at the forefront of it all, a constant threat against an admittedly weak Iraq side. But while some might argue that a group stage match against such opposition does not bring a lot of pressure for someone like Mbappe, a player of this calibre always takes to the pitch with a different weight of expectation.

The celebrations certainly suggested as much, with the Frenchman celebrating both his strikes with plenty of excitement. Nevertheless, it’s difficult to tell whether this reaction was him inadvertently admitting that he has an eye on the record that Messi shattered in his own spectacular week.

In any case, as he was brought down in the area after nutmegging a defender, and as he tried the audacious volley from a clipped pass late on, it was clear that Mbappe was enjoying himself once more on the world’s biggest stage.

For all the criticisms of his club career so far, it’s undeniable that his World Cup exploits put him among the tournament’s greatest players. Despite his press conference comments, the 26-year-old seems set on reminding everyone that he is still one of the world’s top players, and scoring his 15th and 16th World Cup certainly goals went some way to doing so.

Indeed, despite all their talent, it feels like France will need Mbappe to deliver to the same levels he did in 2018 and 2022 if they are to win this tournament. Thankfully, although it’s early days, he looks set to do so.

If 2018 was Mbappe launching himself to stardom, 2022 was a reminder of his world-beating talents. We do not yet know what 2026 will be, but if he can carry on this form, it could be the tournament that elevates him to the pantheon of the sport.

Andy Halliday believes Scotland can "go far" in the World Cup if they can get "10% more" from the squad.

The Scots sit on one win and one defeat so far and face Brazil on Wednesday (23: BST).

"If we just get that 10% more out of the group and that's all it is for me, I think we can go deep in this tournament," former Hearts, Motherwell and Rangers midfielder Halliday told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"You can get yourself in a real twist looking at the probabilities of what it takes to go through and who we've got in the last 32 and in last 16. But when I'm looking at some of the teams that we could potentially get if we go through, there's absolutely nothing to suggest we can't go far in this tournament.

"The last time I checked, the probability in the last 32 was either Mexico or Sweden. Mexico will be extremely difficult, especially in the Azteca with the altitude and the heat there.

"But if we play Sweden in last 32, who just lost 5-1 to Holland who finished bottom in their qualifying group, and then the potential of last 16 are South Korea or Switzerland.

"I'm saying that if we play better... we've got a chance against Sweden."

Paraguay vs Australia kicks off at 19:00 local time (02:00 BST) on Thursday 25 June 2026 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. Both teams sit on three points in Group D, and the result here will almost certainly determine which side joins the United States in the last 16. It is live in the UK on ITV and ITVX.

Group D Standing

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Australia hold second place on goal difference over Paraguay, which means a draw sends them through while condemning Paraguay to an early exit. G. Alfaro’s side must win outright to advance with any certainty, making this as close to a must-win scenario as the group stage produces. A Paraguay victory combined with a goal-difference swing could even push them above Australia into second, so every goal will count — this is not a game where either bench can afford to plan for a point.

Australia’s superior goal difference gives them the luxury of a draw, and T. Popovic’s side have already shown they can grind out a result here after beating Turkey 2-0 in Matchday 1. Back Australia to qualify from Group D at the best available price — the Socceroos have the positional discipline and the motivation to see this out, even if it comes down to a tense, low-scoring affair.

Paraguay are back at the World Cup for the first time since 2010, a return that carries enormous emotional weight for a nation that has waited sixteen years for this moment. G. Alfaro’s side showed real grit in beating Turkey 1-0 on Matchday 2, but the 4-1 hammering by the United States in the opener leaves them with a goal-difference deficit that makes drawing insufficient. They need goals — and they need them without conceding.

Australia began their campaign with an impressive 2-0 win over Turkey before a 2-0 defeat to the United States on Matchday 2. T. Popovic’s team qualified through the AFC with a perfect record — four wins from four — and they bring a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent to San Francisco. Mathew Ryan and Mathew Leckie are among the veterans anchoring the squad, and the Socceroos have enough quality to manage a game from a position of relative safety.

The tactical question is whether Paraguay can unlock a disciplined Australian defence when they are under no pressure to attack. Julio Enciso and Miguel Almirón carry the creative burden for Paraguay, while Jackson Irvine’s engine in midfield has consistently been the platform from which Australia build. Whoever dominates the centre of the park is likely to control the game’s tempo — and with knockout qualification on the line, neither side will be reckless.

• Turkey (A): Won 1-0 — World Cup 2026
• United States (A): Lost 1-4 — World Cup 2026
• Nicaragua (H): Won 4-0 — Friendly
• Morocco (N): Lost 1-2 — Friendly
• Greece (A): Won 1-0 — Friendly

Paraguay’s results in competitive football tell two very different stories. The disciplined 1-0 victory over Turkey demonstrates that G. Alfaro has built a side capable of keeping a clean sheet against organised opposition, but the 4-1 loss to the United States exposed defensive vulnerability at the highest level. Three wins in their last five across all competitions suggest a team in decent form overall — but they must be far more reliable at the back if they are to keep Australia at bay while also finding a goal.

• United States (A): Lost 0-2 — World Cup 2026
• Turkey (H): Won 2-0 — World Cup 2026
• Switzerland (N): Drew 1-1 — Friendly
• Mexico (N): Lost 0-1 — Friendly
• Curacao (H): Won 5-1 — FIFA Series

Australia’s competitive form across this tournament has been encouraging in parts. The clean-sheet victory over Turkey was commanding, and their AFC qualifying campaign was flawless — four wins from four including a win away in Saudi Arabia and a home victory over Japan. The defeat to the United States was against a formidable host nation, and T. Popovic will take confidence from the fact that his side kept their composure for long stretches of that game. They arrive here knowing a draw is enough, which suits a team comfortable playing on the counter.

These two nations have met five times, all in friendly fixtures, and none of those meetings have come at a World Cup. Australia have the better record in the series, winning twice, drawing twice, and losing none. The most recent meeting came in October 2010, a 1-0 home win for Australia. Before that, a 1-1 draw in October 2006 and a trio of matches in June 2000 — a 2-1 Australian win sandwiched between two goalless draws — complete the head-to-head picture.

Paraguay have never beaten Australia in five attempts, which is a notable footnote even if the sample size is small and all matches were non-competitive. Australia’s ability to keep Paraguay at arm’s length historically adds a small layer of confidence to the Socceroos’ case heading into this decisive group-stage encounter, though neither side will pay much attention to results from friendlies played over a decade ago.

Paraguay’s squad for this World Cup is built around a core of South American club football, with captain Gustavo Gómez providing experienced leadership in central defence. Midfielder Miguel Almirón, now 32, brings his creative instincts alongside younger options including Diego Gómez of Brighton and Hove Albion and Julio Enciso of Strasbourg. Antonio Sanabria leads the forward line, though Kaku and Álex Arce provide cover. Paraguay have no publicised suspension concerns heading into this fixture.

Australia’s squad blends AFC veterans with some younger names breaking through. Mathew Ryan is the established number one in goal, while Jackson Irvine captains the midfield and Mathew Leckie provides wide attacking threat. Nestory Irankunda, the 20-year-old Watford forward, has already opened his account at this World Cup alongside Connor Metcalfe. Australia have no publicised suspension issues for this match, and T. Popovic is expected to name a strong XI with progression in mind.

Paraguay (4-2-3-1): Gatito Fernández; J.J. Cáceres, Gustavo Gómez (c), Fabián Balbuena, Júnior Alonso; Andrés Cubas, Braian Ojeda; Julio Enciso, Miguel Almirón, Ramón Sosa; Antonio Sanabria.

Australia (4-3-3): Mathew Ryan; Miloš Degenek, Harry Souttar, Cameron Burgess, Jordan Bos; Aiden O’Neill, Jackson Irvine (c), Connor Metcalfe; Mathew Leckie, Nestory Irankunda, Awer Mabil.

Predicted XI — squads to be confirmed.

The battle in central midfield between Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón and Australia’s Jackson Irvine could define this game. Almirón, with 76 caps and 10 international goals, carries the creative responsibility for a Paraguay side that struggles to generate chances through other means. Irvine, equally industrious across his 82 caps and 14 international goals, has the physical presence and reading of the game to press high and disrupt Almirón’s influence. If Irvine and the Australian midfield can limit Paraguay’s transitions through the middle, T. Popovic’s side will be well placed to counter-attack and preserve their group-stage advantage without needing to over-commit forward.

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Australia to qualify from Group D is the headline call. The Socceroos sit second with three points and a superior goal difference to Paraguay. Even a draw puts them through, giving T. Popovic’s side two routes to the knockout rounds. Their AFC qualifying record — four wins from four, including results against Japan and Saudi Arabia — suggests a team capable of managing high-pressure games. The best available price reflects value given how much of the equation already favours them.

Under 2.5 goals @ 4/6 is the goals market pick. Five of Paraguay’s last six qualifying matches produced two goals or fewer. Australia’s last four competitive matches have also been tight affairs, and with both sides aware of the positional stakes, this feels like a game that will be cagey rather than open. Paraguay need to score but will be cautious about overcommitting and conceding, while Australia have little reason to chase the game from the front.

Julio Enciso to score anytime is worth consideration as a scorer market pick. The Strasbourg forward has four international goals in his last run of appearances and carries a penalty-taking responsibility for Paraguay. With G. Alfaro’s side needing to win, Enciso is likely to be central to their attacking intent from an advanced position, giving him the opportunity to get on the score sheet.

Draw at half-time has appeal as an optional fourth angle. Both teams have a tendency to start games cautiously in high-stakes settings — Australia’s qualifying record included close, measured wins, while Paraguay’s two World Cup games have both been tight for long stretches. A goalless or level first half, with the drama coming in the second, feels like the natural shape of this fixture.

The best available prices across leading operators put Paraguay as narrow favourites at 2/1, with Australia slightly longer at 3/1, and the draw priced at 5/4 — reflecting just how closely matched these sides are on points heading into the final matchday.

Paraguay vs Australia is live in the UK on ITV and available to stream free via ITVX. Kick-off is at 02:00 BST on Thursday 26 June 2026, with the match taking place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, in the San Francisco Bay Area. In Australia, the match is available on SBS and Optus Sport.

New to betting on the World Cup 2026? Here is a straightforward eight-step guide to placing a wager on this match.

1. Choose a licensed and regulated sportsbook available in your country.
2. Register your account with your personal details and verify your identity.
3. Deposit funds using a payment method available to you — debit card, e-wallet, or bank transfer.
4. Search for Paraguay vs Australia in the World Cup 2026 or Group D section.
5. Browse markets — match result, both teams to score, total goals, first goalscorer, and correct score are the most commonly offered.
6. Select your preferred market and add your selection to your bet slip.
7. Enter your stake and confirm the odds before submitting.
8. Track your bet live on matchday and withdraw winnings according to the operator’s standard processing times.

Gambling should always be enjoyable and within your means. If you feel that gambling is having a negative impact on you or someone you know, support is available. Contact BeGambleAware or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Set deposit limits, take regular breaks, and never chase losses.

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