Australia qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout rounds on Thursday after battling to a 0-0 draw with Paraguay in Santa Clara to claim second place in Group D.
The Socceroos, who defeated Turkey in their opening match before losing to the United States of America (USA), were never seriously threatened on their way to securing a point to reach the last 32 at Levi’s Stadium in northern California.
It marks only the third time that Australia have advanced beyond the group stage in seven appearances at the FIFA World Cup.
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The draw also left Paraguay firmly on course for the knockout rounds as one of the eight best third-placed teams in the group stage.
The United States had already secured top spot in Group D despite their 3-2 defeat to Turkey in Los Angeles on Thursday.
Kaan Ayhan scored a late winner for Turkey in an action-packed dead-rubber clash that gave the FIFA World Cup 2026 co-hosts their sternest test so far ahead of the knockout rounds.
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Already crowned Group D winners, the USA arrived in Los Angeles seeking to extend a perfect start with a third win, but with more than an eye on next Wednesday’s last-32 meeting against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
For Turkey, already eliminated and without even a goal after disastrous losses to Paraguay and Australia, the only objective was to restore some pride.
READ: Turkey sign off World Cup 2026 with consolation win over USA
