Paraguay vs Australia FIFA 2026 World Cup Recap: Socceroos through to knockout stages after draw
The Socceroos are through to the knockout stages of the World Cup after a nil-all draw with Paraguay in California. FOLLOW LIVE!
FIFA WORLD CUP: The eyes of Australia will be on California as the Socceroos take on Paraguay with a spot in the knockout stages on the line.
After an impressive win over Turkey, they came crashing back down to earth against the USA but still control their own fate, knowing a win or draw will get them second place and a spot in the knockouts.
A draw will likely be enough for both sides to progress, but don’t expect either side to play defensively, with both looking to avoid a likely matchup with Germany in the Round of 32.
Australia have never beaten a South American team at a World Cup and Paraguay will be a tough challenge, having beaten several giants just to qualify.
Can the Socceroos rebound to progress to the knockouts?
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Key events
26 Jun 2026 - 12:14 PM
Match Report
26 Jun 2026 - 12:05 PM
What the win means
26 Jun 2026 - 11:59 AM
AUSSIES ARE THROUGH!
26 Jun 2026 - 11:43 AM
‘80 minutes
26 Jun 2026 - 11:32 AM
Second hydration break
26 Jun 2026 - 11:08 AM
Second half underway
26 Jun 2026 - 10:53 AM
HALF TIME AUS 0 - 0 PAR
26 Jun 2026 - 10:46 AM
Six minutes of added time
26 Jun 2026 - 10:28 AM
Metcalfe kicked in the face
26 Jun 2026 - 08:59 AM
SIX changes for Socceroos, Volpato to start
26 Jun 2026 - 08:47 AM
What will be on Tony Popovic’s team sheet?
26 Jun 2026 - 08:10 AM
Early results do Socceroos no favours
26 Jun 2026 - 08:03 AM
Welcome
Double substitution
Jackson Irvine comes off for Paul Okon-Englster and Irankunda is replaced by Tete Yengi
Defender Jose Canale repaces Omar Alderete for Paraguay.
Beach sent scrambling!
Ensico wants to gets the ball on the edge of the box and shoots low to the left but it’s wide of the goals as Beach was scrambling to cover.
‘80 minutes
We’re into the final 10 minutes plus time on, right now both teams are through to the round of 32.
Will the cue go in the rack or will someone push for victory?
Yellow card for Diego Gomez
He brings down Jordan Bos who was trying to launch down the right wing
Paraguay launch another failed attack
They get it into a dangerous area onthe edge of the box but can’t break through the final line before an attempted cross sails high and wide for a goal kick.
Second hydration break
Paraguay make their second sice as Alex Arce replaced Gabirel Avalos.
Pragaguay have crept up to 40 per cent posseission this quarter.
Australia have settled
Paraguay are far more lively this half, but after that early wave of momentum, the Socceroos are looking a little more in control with their defence compact.
They are however, still guilty of coughing the ball up unnecessarily.
Huge chance wasted
Irankunds gets in behind and runs in on goal on a tight angle.
He crosses across the box but there’s no one there.
He was probably entitled to shoot and force the keeper to save.
Australia make a change
Volpato makes off for Hrustic.
Beach and Behich have a blow-up
Beach was coming out to clean up a dangerous loose ball but Behich touched it back towards Beach which meant he couldn’t pick it up.
It’s hacked clear for a corner but the Socceroos are under pressure to start this half.
Originally published on The West Australian
