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
Metcalfe kicked in the face
Purely accidental as he falls down in a challenge, but the boot nearly clips his eye and that will be sore.
Short delay as he gets some attention for what look likes a cut above the eyebrow. They’ll need to stop the bleeding.
He also comes off to change his jersey.
Hydration break
It’s been all Australia to start, though there have been no clear-cut chances since Irvine’s early shot.
Paraguay haven’t threatened too much but they have popped the odd long ball over to try and stretch Australia’s defence.
20’ Another run from Volpato
It’s another dangerous low cross that rolls across the goal face but no one is home for the Socceroos to get on the end.
He wins the corner but the delivery is poor. Still positive signs from the Socceroos.
Another heavy clash
Not for the first time a Paraguayan player is down on the turf after coming off second best in a contest for a header.
Fans aren’t happy with the delay and there’s nothing in is from a fould perspective for the Aussues.
11’ Volpato lively early
He’s causing all sorts of problems on the right wing for Australia with is running and almost gets through Paraguay’s defence before a late touch denies a chance to shoot.
Picked up where he left off against the USA.
Early dominance from Australia
In complete contrast to the opening two games Australia are enjoying plenty of time on the ball with more than 75 per cent possession through the opening minutes.
It’s very early days but Paraguay seem to be happy to defend and look for counter-attacking options on the break affording the Socceroos plenty of space.
4’ Early chance
A low cross finds Jackson Irvine on the edge of the box who turns and shoots at the near post where Gill has to save.
Lovely ball in from Valpato to set that up as Paraguay defend their resulting corner.
The PM is watching
Here we go
The anthems have been sung and the players are on the pitch.
Paraguay to kick off
Another result makes it hard for the third-placed finisher
Japan and Sweden have finished 1-1, with the Swedes finishing third in Group F on four points taking up another of the third placed finishing spots.
Originally published on The West Australian
