Australia has advanced to the last 32 of the World Cup following a goalless draw against Paraguay in San Francisco. The result also positions Paraguay favorably to progress, likely as one of the best third-placed teams.
The match concluded with no goals, a outcome that suited both sides. Australia needed a draw to secure qualification as group runners-up. For Paraguay, earning a fourth point in the group stage significantly increases their chances of moving forward.
Match Overview and Performance
The game saw minimal risk-taking from both teams, a factor that could fuel discussions regarding the format allowing third-placed teams to advance to the knockout stages. Australia began the match with more energy and displayed greater attacking intent during the first half. Paraguay, in contrast, offered little threat in the initial period, managing only one shot that was off target.
Paraguay played with a back-five formation, missing Miguel Almiron, who was suspended after receiving a red card in their victory over Turkey. Early in the first half, Jackson Irvine had an angled shot saved by goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Gill also parried away a shot from Cristian Volpato from the right side of the box, contributing to a low-key first half.
In the second half, Paraguay showed more attacking ambition after switching to a back-four formation. Half-time substitute Mauricio had an effort saved by Patrick Beach within five minutes of coming on. Julio Enciso was also noted for his active play during this period.
During the match, Diego Gomez, a midfielder and former teammate of Enciso, received a booking that will see him miss Paraguay’s first knockout game. Defender Omar Alderete was forced to leave the field due to a left knee injury.
Towards the end of the match, Jordan Bos came close to scoring for Australia. In added time, Mauricio had an opportunity to secure a win for Paraguay, but his low strike from the edge of the box was directed too close to Beach.
Group D Standings and Future Fixtures
In another Group D fixture, Turkey, who were already eliminated from the competition, defeated group winners the US. The draw between Australia and Paraguay means that Australia will now face the runners-up from the group comprising Egypt, Iran, and Belgium. This match is scheduled for Friday, July 3, at 19:00 BST.
As it stands, Paraguay is set to play against the Group E winners, Germany, on Monday at 21:30. The USMNT has already secured its place in the knockout rounds, while Turkey has been eliminated from the competition.
Before this match, both Paraguay and Australia were level on three points. A win or a draw was sufficient for Australia to guarantee their qualification. While Paraguay likely needed a victory for a top-two finish, a draw still positions them well to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
Historically, Australia has had a stronger record against Paraguay. In five previous encounters, the Socceroos have won twice, with the remaining three matches ending in draws. Paraguay has not recorded a victory against Australia, with their most recent meeting occurring in Sydney in October 2010.
In terms of rankings, Australia holds an advantage, sitting at 25th in the FIFA World Rankings compared to Paraguay’s 37th. However, recent form has favored the South American side. Aside from their group-stage win over Turkey, Australia had not won a competitive or friendly match since October 2025. In contrast, Paraguay achieved notable victories against teams such as Greece, Mexico, and Nicaragua during the same period.
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Mexico | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 9 | No Result No Result No Result W Result… |
| 2 South Africa | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 4 | No Result No Result No Result L Result… |
| 3 South Korea | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 | No Result No Result No Result W Result… |
| 4 Czech Republic | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 | -4 | 1 | No Result No Result No Result L Result… |
The draw ensures Australia’s progression to the next stage of the tournament, with their next match scheduled for Friday, July 3.
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Source: bbc.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.