Australia qualifies for World Cup knockout stage after drawing with Paraguay

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 26, 2026, 5:39 PM

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Australia qualifies for World Cup knockout stage after drawing with Paraguay
Summary

Australia advanced to the World Cup knockout rounds after a 0-0 draw with Paraguay in Santa Clara on June 26. Coach Tony Popovic expressed pride in the team's young squad for their disciplined performance in a crucial qualifier, marking the third time the Socceroos have reached this stage. They finished as runners-up in Group D, having previously defeated Turkey and lost to the United States. Australia's next match is scheduled for July 3 against the second-placed team from Group G, which includes Egypt, Iran, Belgium, and New Zealand. Popovic highlighted the significance of this achievement amid the elimination of several major teams from the tournament.

Source Links
Key Details
  • Australia draws 0-0 with Paraguay on June 26.
  • Soccerroo secured knockout stage as Group D runners-up.
  • Team previously defeated Turkey and lost to the U.S.
  • Next match on July 3 in Dallas against Group G's second team.
  • Popovic praises young talent Lucas Herrington for strong performance.
Latest Updates
  • 5:39 PMYahoo SportsAustralia eye 'something special' after reaching World Cup last 32
What they're saying
"

Coach Tony Popovic said Australia want to do "something special" after reaching the World Cup knockout rounds for only the third time in their history."I'd like to think that we dominated the game in a crucial World Cup qualifier with a very young squad in the third match when everything's on the line.

Related Teams & Leagues

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days