Paraguay 0-0 Australia: How a Goalless Draw Sent the Socceroos to the 2026 World Cup Knockouts

On June 25, 2026, Paraguay and Australia played to a 0–0 draw at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, in the final round of Group D matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The result confirmed Australia as Group D runners-up and sent them to the round of 32, while Paraguay finished third and faced an anxious wait to see if they would advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams .

Match Summary and Key Statistics

The contest was described by multiple outlets as "cagey," "dour," and "physical," with few clear-cut chances for either side . Australia controlled the early stages, while Paraguay pushed late but could not break through . French referee Clément Turpin officiated the match in front of 68,827 spectators at Levi's Stadium .

Final Group D Standings

Pos	Team	PTS	GP	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD
1	United States	6	3	2	0	1	8	4	+4
2	Australia	4	3	1	1	1	2	2	0
3	Paraguay	4	3	1	1	1	2	4	–2
4	Turkey	3	3	1	0	2	3	5	–2

Sources:

Australia finished second based on superior goal difference (0 vs. Paraguay's –2). Turkey, despite beating the USA 3–2 in the final matchday, was eliminated .

Knockout Implications

Australia — Confirmed Round-of-32 Berth in Dallas

The Socceroos advanced to the knockout stage for the third time in their history, four years after reaching the last 16 in Qatar . They will face the runner-up of Group G — one of Belgium, Egypt, Iran, or New Zealand — at Dallas Stadium (Arlington, Texas) on Friday, July 3, 2026, with kickoff at 1:00 p.m. local time . The identity of the opponent was to be confirmed after Group G's final matches on Friday, June 26 .

Coach Tony Popovic called it a "wonderful achievement" and a "special day" for Australian football .

Paraguay — Third Place, Awaiting Qualification Confirmation

Paraguay finished Group D third with 4 points and a goal difference of –2 . Under the expanded 48-team format, eight of the twelve third-placed teams advance to the round of 32 . Multiple outlets described Paraguay's advancement as "likely" or "all but certain," though not mathematically confirmed at the final whistle . At the time of reporting, Paraguay was ranked 4th among third-placed teams in the live standings .

Regarding a potential matchup against Germany in Boston: This scenario was possible but unconfirmed at the time of reporting. Germany had already secured first place in Group E prior to the final matchday, meaning they would face a third-place qualifier from Groups A–D or F in Boston . Paraguay, as a third-place team from Group D, was within the pool of potential German opponents . However, the specific opponent depended on which third-placed teams ultimately qualified and the bracket alignment, which had not yet been finalized. The Sporting News bracket at the time listed Paraguay as a qualified team but did not specify a finalized Germany-Paraguay matchup .