Australia secured their place in the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup after a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Paraguay in Santa Clara, finishing second in Group D.

The Socceroos, who beat Turkey in their opener before losing to the United States, were rarely threatened on Thursday as they earned the point needed to advance to the last 32 at Levi's Stadium in northern California.

This marks only the third time Australia has progressed beyond the group stage in seven World Cup appearances, having previously done so in 2006 and 2022.

The draw also keeps Paraguay firmly in contention for the knockout rounds as one of the eight best third-placed teams in the group stage.

The US had already secured top spot in Group D, despite their 3-2 defeat to Turkey in Los Angeles on Thursday.

Opponents for the knockout stage will be determined later.

Source: www.aljazeera.com