Paraguay and Australia draw 0-0, a result that sends the Socceroos through
The goalless draw in Santa Clara qualifies Australia as Group D runners-up and leaves Paraguay third, awaiting the best third-placed sides at the 2026 World Cup.
Paraguay and Australia played out a goalless draw (0-0) at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, one of the major US venues for the 2026 World Cup holding 68,827 spectators and known for its cutting-edge technology, to close the third round of Group D. The split came at this 48-team World Cup staged by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The match was a tactical, scrappy affair, with both teams playing for a place in the last 16. A draw was enough for Australia to secure second place, while Paraguay needed a win to make the leap. That dilemma shaped a game of few clear chances and plenty of tension.
The goals of Orlando Gill, for Paraguay, and Patrick Beach, for Australia, were barely troubled. Both sides protected their balance and avoided taking risks, aware that one mistake could cost them their ticket to the next round.
Gustavo Alfaro set up Paraguay in a 5-3-2 with Julio Enciso and Diego Gómez as the focal points, while Tony Popovic countered with an Australian 3-4-2-1 built around Jackson Irvine and Nestory Irankunda. The match produced two bookings, for Australia's Jackson Irvine (46') and Paraguay's Diego Gómez (77').
The draw leaves Australia second in Group D on four points and through to the last 16 on goal difference, behind a leading United States. Paraguay, on the same four points but with an inferior goal difference, finish third and must await the comparison between the best third-placed sides to stay alive at the 2026 World Cup.