Australia reached elimination after draw in Paraguay; USA leads Group D despite defeat by Turkey

Australia booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 after holding out a thrilling 0-0 draw with Paraguay in their final Group D match on Thursday, while the United States finished top of the table despite a dramatic 3-2 defeat by Turkey.

Needing just a point to advance, the Socceroos produced a disciplined display in Santa Clara to advance to the knockout stages for the third time in seven World Cup appearances. Paraguay finished third and now have to wait to see if their tally is enough to secure one of the top third spots.

Knocked out before kick-off, Turkey bowed out with an impressive victory over the group winners in one of the most entertaining contests of the day.

AUSTRALIA HAS MADE A LOT OF PROGRESS

It was far from classic as both teams struggled to establish any offensive rhythm in a game full of fouls and interruptions.

Australia controlled possession for long periods and created the better opportunities. Cristian Volpato and Jackson Irvine tested goalkeeper Carlos Coronel while Jordan Bos twice came close to a breakthrough during a frantic finale.

Paraguay struggled to create new places, despite knowing that a win would ensure qualification. Julio Enciso remained their brightest attacking outlet, carrying the ball forward with purpose but lacking support in the final third.

Australia vs Paraguay, FIFA World Cup: HIGHLIGHTS

Their best chance came in the closing moments when Mauricio Magalhaes unleashed a strike from inside the area only to be denied by a comfortable save.

A goalless draw was enough to see Australia through, while Paraguay’s World Cup future now hinges on results elsewhere.

TURKEY’S SIGNATURE WITH A STUNNING WIN

Turkey ended their campaign on a high by scoring deep into stoppage time to beat the United States 3-2 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Having already topped the group, United States coach Mauricio Pochettino decided to rotate heavily, making nine changes to his starting line-up with one eye on the knockout stages.

The home side got off to the perfect start when Auston Trusty headed home Sebastian Berhalter’s corner in the third minute.

Turkey restored parity seven minutes later through Arda Guler before turning the game around in the 31st minute. Eren Elmali’s blistering drive tore through the American defense and Baris Alper Yilmaz finished off the move to give his team a 2-1 lead.

The United States responded right after the restart as Berhalter scored his second goal of the night, finding the net in the 49th minute.

Pulisic, returning from a calf injury sustained in the group’s opening match, came on just before the hour mark and transformed the American attack. The AC Milan striker hit the post in the 63rd minute before Brenden Aaronson missed the rebound from point-blank range.

The guests refused to settle for a draw and found their reward in the eighth minute of extra time. Alex Freeman made a great goal-line clearance to keep out Can Uzun’s effort, but Kaan Ayhan was quickest to react to the rebound and fire into the empty net to seal all three points.

The defeat ended the United States’ unbeaten run, but it had no effect on the standings, as Mauricio Pochettino’s side already secured top spot and a Round of 32 meeting with Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1. Australia advanced alongside them, while Paraguay’s hopes of qualification remain uncertain.

– The end

Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

Jun 26, 2026 09:54 IST