FIFA WC: Australia advance to knockouts with 0-0 draw against Paraguay

Santa Clara: Australia have advanced to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after a goalless draw with Paraguay in their final Group D game at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on Friday.

The Socceroos secured second place in Group D and will face the runners-up from Group G in Dallas on July 4. Paraguay will wait with bated breath to see if they get at least one more match.

The match began with a great deal of intensity and physicality before Australia took control of the affair. The Socceroos found success down their right flank as Jordan Bos, Aiden O’Neill, and Cristian Volpato combined well to get in behind a staunch Paraguay defense.

Australia were on the front foot early. Cristian Volpato and Jordy Bos, in particular, were creative down the right-hand side and were able to fashion a number of chances throughout the first 45 minutes.

The first chance came through Jackson Irvine, who was on the end of a Volpato cutback in the fourth minute, marking the first of three shots on target in the first half.

Jordy Bos had a chance saved in the 36th minute before a cross from the wingback found Jackson Irvine’s head in the penalty area in first-half stoppage time. However, the experienced midfielder was not able to find the balance required to hit the target.

Paraguay were restricted to only one shot—which was off-target—as the teams went into the sheds at halftime without a goal.

The South Americans came out of the break with renewed intensity and focus. They registered their first shot on target and captured the momentum, with youngster Julio Enciso at the center of their creative threats.

Bos almost created something from nothing as time ticked down. Using his pace and power, he skipped past several defenders to find space inside the penalty area from the right-hand side, though his shot failed to truly challenge the goalkeeper.

Two more changes followed for Australia, with Tete Yengi replacing Irankunda up top and Paul Okon-Engstler coming on for Irvine in midfield. Knowing that a draw would likely be enough for both teams to progress, they still looked to find a winner in stoppage time.

For Paraguay, space opened for Mauricio on the edge of the penalty area, forcing a sharp save from Beach. Tete Yengi had a first-time strike at the other end of the pitch but was unable to convert it.

Ultimately, the draw was enough for Australia to finish second in the group and for Paraguay to likely advance as one of the eight best third-place finishers.

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