Australia reach 2026 World Cup knockouts after 0-0 draw with Paraguay

Goalless stalemate sends Socceroos through as Paraguay await their fate

The Socceroos sealed second place in Group D behind co-hosts the US with the draw and will meet either Belgium, Egypt, Iran or New Zealand in the last 32.

Sure, a goal would have been nice, to help relax the nerves – and a confidence-boosting win also would have done wonders for the Socceroos’ mental state, as they look ahead to the knockout stage.

For Australian football, it was far from the best advertisement for the game, even as millions watched on TVs, live sites and in bars, with the match lacking the intensity and jeopardy of the Socceroos’ opening two World Cup matches.