The Socceroos have wrapped up second spot in Group D at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Paraguay was enough to see them progress through to the round of 32.
Socceroos head coach Tony Popovic made six changes from the 2-0 loss against the USA with Aziz Behich, Lucas Herrington, Jackson Irvine, Nestory Irankunda, Cristian Volpato and Connor Metcalfe all handed starts in Santa Clara, and it was the Socceroos who started the better of the two sides.
Finding space down the right flank, Volpato picked out the arriving Irvine inside the box and the midfielder’s powerful drive from a tight angle was tipped over the bar by keeper Orlando Gill.
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Both Bos and Volpato then tested Gill before the half was out but while Popovic’s side ended the first half having enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, the deadlock remained in tact.
Popovic turned to his bench in the 58th minute, taking off Volpato and bringing on Ajdin Hrustic for his first minutes at this year’s World Cup as the Socceroos looked to inject some creativity in a game that was short on chances at either end.
The Socceroos’ best player on the day, Bos was causing Paraguay plenty of problems in Santa Clara and whipped a left-footed shot narrowly wide of the far post in the 89th minute as the Socceroos pushed to find a late winner.
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Paraguay then looked to threaten late on and the Socceroos’ hearts were in their mouths in the 92nd minute as Mauricio was afforded time and space on the edge of the box, however his low shot was comfortably saved by Patrick Beach, who had little to do all afternoon.
The draw means the Socceroos have wrapped up second spot in the group and as a result will now face whichever team finishes second in Group G, which contains Egypt, Iran, Belgium and New Zealand.
The match will be played in Dallas on Saturday 3rd July at 4am AEST. Set your alarm clocks!
