The Socceroos finished second in Group D with four points and have advanced to the last 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Published June 26, 2026
Australia booked their place in the World Cup’s last 32 with a 0-0 draw with Paraguay on Thursday, leaving the South Americans waiting nervously to see if they would advance.
In a physically intense match held at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Paraguay were dominated in the early stages and pushed back in the final stages, but the Socceroos advanced to the final round for the third time in four years and the first time in four years since they advanced to the last 16 in Qatar.
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Tony Popovich’s side have secured second place in Group D behind co-hosts the United States, and will play the second-place team in Group G, which still has plenty of openings, before playing Egypt and Iran, Belgium and New Zealand on Friday.
With four points, Paraguay may have done enough to advance as one of the top eight teams in third place, but the 2010 quarter-finalists will have to wait to see what happens in their final group match in the coming days.
Coach Popovic made six changes to his starting XI in a bold restructuring, bringing back active player Nestry Illankunda and adding Cristian Volpato up front to show attacking intent.
With Jordan Voss switching from left-back to right-back to cover for the injured Jacob Italiano, Australia launched a promising attack down the right flank but struggled to find the finishing touch.
A few minutes after kick-off, Volpato set up Jackson Irvine on the right side of the penalty area, but his angled shot hit Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gil.
Bos and Volpato drew saves from Gil late in the first half without truly testing the keeper.
Coach Gustavo Alfaro brought on Mauricio at half-time as Paraguay were restricted to just one shot in the first half, but the Brazilian-born attacker’s long-range effort was in vain five minutes after the restart.
The Paraguayans advanced into the contest with the help of the energetic Julio Enciso, who cut through the Australian defense time and time again.
With eight minutes remaining, a low shot destroyed Paraguay’s good opportunity. The shot went wide of the left post.
Finishing all the way, Bosz burst through two defenders in the 89th minute as he charged into the box from the right and fired a powerful shot at the far post, causing football fans to momentarily rise from their seats.
Mauricio gave Beech a late test as he found a bit of space on the edge of the area, but his tepid low shot was easily dealt with and Australia continued to press forward with more substance than style.
