Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAustralia's Alessandro Circati and Cristian Volpato (AP)Australia secured their place in the World Cup's round of 32 after a cagey 0-0 draw against Paraguay in a physical Group D encounter. The result means Australia finished second in their group, ensuring their progression to the knockout phase for the third time, four years after reaching the last 16 in Qatar. Paraguay, despite the draw, now face an anxious wait to see if their four points will be sufficient for them to advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Australian coach Tony Popovic made six changes to his starting lineup, bringing in players like Nestory Irankunda and Cristian Volpato in an attempt to create attacking opportunities, though a decisive finishing touch was lacking. Australia will proceed to face the second-placed team from Group G in the next round, while Paraguay's qualification hinges on the results of other upcoming group matches. In fullAustralia reach World Cup knockouts but Paraguay face wait to confirm fate after Group D drawThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

SANTA CLARA, California, June 23 : Australia head into their final World Cup group match against Paraguay with their fate in their hands, needing only a draw to reach the knockout…

Paraguay and Australia meet Friday in San Francisco with everything on the line in Group D, as both sides chase a place in the 2026 World Cup knockout...