A goalless draw in Houston sends Australia through as Group D runners-up, while Paraguay awaits confirmation among the best third-placed teams.
Neither Paraguay nor Australia was willing to take unnecessary risks in a match that ultimately suited both teams. The goalless draw at NRG Stadium allowed Tony Popovic’s Socceroos to secure second place in Group D and book their place in the Round of 32, while Paraguay finished third with four points and remains in a strong position to advance among the best third-placed nations.
Australia looked the more dangerous side throughout the first half, controlling possession and creating the better opportunities. Jackson Irvine forced Roberto Gill into action with a well-struck volley after nine minutes, while Jordan Bos repeatedly found space down the flank.
Paraguay struggled to impose itself early on but improved after the break. Mauricio tested Beach from long range shortly after halftime, before Julio Enciso produced a lively run into the Australian box that forced the goalkeeper into an important save.
The Socceroos continued to threaten through Bos, who was arguably the standout performer of the match. The left-sided wingback came agonizingly close to scoring in the closing minutes, weaving past defenders before curling an effort inches wide of the far post.
At the other end, Paraguay lacked a cutting edge despite the creativity of Enciso and Diego Gómez, and Gustavo Alfaro’s men appeared increasingly content with preserving a result that could prove enough to continue their World Cup journey.
The simultaneous 3-2 victory of Türkiye over the United States did not alter the final standings, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side topping the group despite suffering their first defeat of the tournament.
Australia now advances to the Round of 32 as Group D runners-up, while Paraguay waits anxiously for the conclusion of the remaining groups to learn whether four points will be enough to progress.
Match Report
Paraguay 0-0 Australia
Paraguay (5-4-1)
Gill; Cáceres, Velázquez, Gustavo Gómez, Alderete (84′ Canale), Maidana (46′ Mauricio); Diego Gómez (90+2′ Bobadilla), Cubas, Galarza (90+2′ Alonso), Enciso; Ávalos (66′ Arce).
Coach: Gustavo Alfaro
Australia (3-4-2-1)
Beach; Circati, Souttar, Herrington; Behich, O’Neill, Irvine (84′ Okon-Engstler), Bos; Metcalfe, Volpato (58′ Hrustic); Irankunda (84′ Tete Yengi).
Coach: Tony Popovic
Referee: —
Yellow Cards: Irvine, Diego Gómez
Red Cards: None
Final Group D Standings
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USA | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 6 | +2 | 6 |
| 2 | Australia | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 7 |
| 3 | Paraguay | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| 4 | Türkiye | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | -2 | 3 |
Qualified: USA (Group Winners), Australia (Runners-up)
Awaiting confirmation: Paraguay (4 pts, potential best third-placed team)
Eliminated: Türkiye
