Australia Hub
The Socceroos have clinched a spot in the World Cup knockout stage after a 0-0 draw against Paraguay. This result marks Australia's third advancement to the round of 16.
What happened?
Australia played cautiously, with coach Tony Popovic making six changes to his lineup. The team had the best chances in the first half, but Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill stopped an early attempt from Jackson Irvine.
Why it matters for Australia
The draw gives Australia a better goal differential than Paraguay, securing second place in the group behind the United States. Australia will play in the round of 32 on July 3 in Arlington, Texas, against the second-place finisher from Group G.
What comes next?
The Socceroos will face a tough opponent in the knockout stage, but coach Tony Popovic is optimistic about his team's chances. Midfielder Ajdin Hrustic praised his team's hard work, saying they should enjoy this moment.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-11-19 | Colombia | 3-0 loss |
| 2026-06-25 | Paraguay | 0-0 draw |
The Socceroos' recent form has been inconsistent, with a record of 2W-0D-3L in their last five games. However, the team is looking forward to the knockout stage, with coach Tony Popovic saying they controlled the game well against Paraguay.
