California, Jun 26 (V7N)- Australia secured their place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after playing out a goalless draw against Paraguay, earning the single point they needed to qualify from Group D.
The Socceroos entered the match knowing that a draw would be enough to book their place in the Round of 32, and they successfully achieved their objective with a disciplined defensive display.
Both sides adopted a cautious approach from the opening whistle, with few clear-cut scoring opportunities in the first half. Australia and Paraguay remained organized defensively, resulting in a 0-0 scoreline at the break.
The pattern of the game continued after halftime as neither team was able to break through the opposition's defense. Despite several attempts, both sides lacked the finishing touch, and the match ended in a goalless draw.
The result confirmed Australia's qualification as the runners-up in Group D, while Paraguay's World Cup campaign came to an end.
Elsewhere in the group, Türkiye produced one of the surprises of the tournament by defeating co-hosts United States 3-2 in the final group-stage match.
Despite the defeat, the United States had already done enough in the earlier rounds to finish at the top of Group D and advance to the knockout stage as group champions.
Australia now joins the United States in the Round of 32, keeping alive the Socceroos' hopes of making a deep run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
END/SMA/AJ
