San Francisco Bay Area: Socceroos secure World Cup last 32 spot after draw with Paraguay

By Karan Malhotra — 26 June 2026 — 4 min read

Australia advances to knockout stage

The Socceroos have secured their place in the World Cup knockout phase for the third time in their history, following a 0-0 draw against Paraguay at a San Francisco Bay Area stadium. This result was sufficient for Tony Popovic’s team to finish second in Group D, behind co-hosts the United States.

The match, while not a display of high distinction, achieved the necessary outcome for Australia. Both teams were aware that a draw would guarantee qualification for the last 32, leading to periods of play that lacked significant intensity. Despite this, millions of fans watched the game across various platforms, celebrating a historic achievement for Australian football.

The draw means the Socceroos will now have a week to rest before their last-32 match, which is scheduled to take place in Dallas in eight days. The team plans to remain in Oakland until Wednesday before traveling to Texas. Their next opponent will be the second-placed team from Group G, a group that will conclude its matches on Friday.

Belgium is currently well-positioned in Group G, needing a victory against New Zealand to secure qualification. The final standings in that group also depend on the outcome of the match between Egypt and Iran, though Belgium cannot finish at the top if Egypt wins their game.

Australia players celebrate after a draw against Paraguay was enough for the Socceroos to seal a World Cup last-32 place.Photograph: Benjamin Fanjoy/EPA Credit: theguardian.com

Tactical changes and key performances

Tony Popovic’s reputation for making bold tactical decisions was evident in the lineup against Paraguay, with six changes made to the starting XI. This followed two significant changes in the previous week’s starting lineup. Among those brought into the team were Nestory Irankunda, Cristian Volpato, and Connor Metcalfe.

Irankunda started centrally, a tactical move that mirrored the team’s structure in the second half of their match against the United States. Mohamed Touré was replaced in the striker position. Due to an injury to Jacob Italiano, Aziz Behich was brought in, with Jordy Bos switching flanks to play on the right side of the defense.

In midfield, Jackson Irvine replaced Paul Okon-Engstler. A notable debut was made by Lucas Herrington, who started at left central defense in place of Cam Burgess. At 18, Herrington became the youngest Socceroo to start in a World Cup, surpassing the record previously set by Irankunda against Turkey.

Herrington displayed composure from the start, distributing the ball effectively under pressure within the first two minutes. He also demonstrated physicality, winning a header in midfield and then beating Paraguay’s Diego Gómez to the ball, an assertive move for a player making his World Cup debut.

Cristian Volpato looks to take his man on.Photograph: Eloisa Lopez Credit: theguardian.com

Match dynamics and missed opportunities

As anticipated, Paraguay adopted a defensive approach, allowing Australia to maintain the majority of possession. Despite controlling large parts of the game, the Socceroos did not manage to score in the first half. Their most promising attacks came down the right flank, featuring the new combination of Jordy Bos and Cristian Volpato.

Both Bos and Volpato are left-footed, and at times their play lacked width. However, they also created Australia’s best chance of the first half when Volpato drew a defender, setting up Bos for a shot from 20m out, which was saved by Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gil. Volpato also set up Jackson Irvine early in the match, whose angled shot was directed straight at Gil.

The match was not without its physical moments. Connor Metcalfe sustained a cut above his eye following a collision with an opponent’s boot shortly after the first-half drinks break. He continued to play after receiving medical attention. In the second half, Jackson Irvine received a booking for a challenge on Julio Enciso.

Paraguay, despite being dominated early, grew into the contest, particularly with the energetic contributions of Julio Enciso, who frequently penetrated Australia’s defense. Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro introduced Mauricio at halftime, who had a shot from distance early in the second half. Enciso had one of Paraguay’s better chances with a low shot that went wide eight minutes from time.

In the closing moments, Jordy Bos created a late opportunity for Australia, splitting two defenders and charging into the box, but his shot fizzed past the far post. Mauricio also tested the goalkeeper late in the game, but his shot was easily handled. The match concluded with a 0-0 scoreline, securing Australia’s progression to the last 32.