Paraguay and Australia played out a 0-0 draw in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D final match on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, a cagey result that carried both nations into the knockout stage. Australia had the better of the chances and was denied by a fine goalkeeping display, but a share of the spoils suited both sides, sending the Socceroos through as group runners-up and Paraguay as one of the best third-placed teams.
Key Takeaways
- Paraguay and Australia drew 0-0 in their Group D finale, a result that sent both nations into the World Cup knockout stage.
- Australia finished second in Group D on four points and reached the knockout rounds for the third time in their history.
- Paraguay advanced in third place, also on four points, as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
- Australia edged the chances, but Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill preserved the clean sheet with five saves.
- The game produced a combined 0.83 expected goals, the first match of the 2026 World Cup to finish below 1.0 xG, while Julio Enciso’s 11 dribbles were the most by any player at the tournament.
The Paraguay vs Australia matchup was defined by the maths of the expanded 48-team format. Both teams arrived on three points after beating Turkey, and with eight of the twelve third-placed sides advancing, a draw was likely to be enough to carry both into the Round of 32. That knowledge bred caution, and the result was a tight, physical contest in which neither side wanted to make the mistake that might undo their tournament.
How did Paraguay and Australia both reach the knockout stage?
Australia was the more purposeful side for long spells, using their possession advantage to press Paraguay back and create the clearer openings. Tony Popovic’s team worked the ball into dangerous areas but repeatedly found Orlando Gill in inspired form, the Paraguay goalkeeper making a string of saves to keep the scoresheet blank.
Paraguay, dominated early, grew into the contest and carried a threat of their own on the counter, with Julio Enciso a constant source of dribbles and drive. Chances remained at a premium, however, and the game’s cautious rhythm reflected two teams acutely aware of what was at stake.
The best opening of all fell to Australia in the 90th minute, when Jordan Bos worked space on the right side of the box but dragged his shot wide. It proved the last meaningful chance, and the goalless draw was ultimately celebrated by both camps as confirmation of their progress to the knockout rounds.
What were the key statistics of the Paraguay vs Australia World Cup 2026 matchup?
The statistics reflected a low-scoring game with few clear chances. Australia enjoyed the majority of possession and out-shot Paraguay, but neither side generated much in the way of quality, as underlined by a combined expected goals (xG) total that dipped below 1.0 for the first time in the tournament.
| Statistic | Paraguay | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 44% | 56% |
| Total shots | 7 | 12 |
| Shots on target | 2 | 5 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 0.25 | 0.58 |
| Goalkeeper saves | 5 | 2 |
| Fouls committed | 9 | 6 |
Australia’s five shots on target all found Orlando Gill equal to the task, the goalkeeper’s five saves proving decisive in earning Paraguay the point that secured their progress. Paraguay were more economical, testing Australia’s Patrick Beach twice, but a combined 0.83 xG confirmed just how few genuine opportunities the two defences allowed.
Who were the standout performers and starters for each side?
Orlando Gill was the game’s decisive figure, his five saves keeping Paraguay in the knockout picture. Julio Enciso provided the attacking spark, completing 11 dribbles, the most of any player at the 2026 World Cup, and repeatedly carrying Paraguay up the pitch. For Australia, Jackson Irvine led the midfield with typical energy and Jordan Bos threatened down the left before spurning the game’s clearest chance late on.
Paraguay Starting XI
- GK: Orlando Gill
- Defenders: Gustavo Velázquez, Gustavo Gómez, Omar Alderete, Juan José Cáceres, Alexandro Maidana
- Midfielders: Andrés Cubas, Diego Gómez, Matías Galarza
- Forwards: Julio Enciso, Gabriel Ávalos
Paraguay set up in a compact 5-3-2 under Gustavo Alfaro, prioritising defensive solidity and looking to release Julio Enciso and Gabriel Ávalos on the break. Skipper Gustavo Gómez marshalled the back five, and the system did its job in restricting Australia to half-chances despite long spells without the ball.
Australia Starting XI
- GK: Patrick Beach
- Defenders: Alessandro Circati, Harry Souttar, Lucas Herrington
- Midfielders: Jordan Bos, Jackson Irvine, Aiden O’Neill, Aziz Behich
- Forwards: Cristian Volpato, Connor Metcalfe, Nestory Irankunda
Australia lined up in a 3-4-2-1, with wing-backs Jordan Bos and Aziz Behich providing width and Cristian Volpato and Connor Metcalfe supporting Nestory Irankunda in attack. Popovic’s side controlled the ball and created the better openings, but a lack of a clinical final touch ultimately left them settling for a point they were content to take.
What does this result mean for the Group D standings in the World Cup 2026?
The draw left Australia second in Group D on four points, behind winners the United States, while Paraguay finished third on the same total. Paraguay’s points tally and goal difference proved enough to claim one of the eight best third-placed berths, meaning three Group D sides reached the knockout rounds, with only Turkey missing out.
| Pos | Team | Played | Points | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 3 | 6 | +4 |
| 2 | Australia | 3 | 4 | 0 |
| 3 | Paraguay | 3 | 4 | -2 |
| 4 | Turkey | 3 | 3 | -2 |
Australia edged Paraguay to second place on goal difference, but with both teams advancing, the distinction mattered little on the night. The United States topped the group despite losing its final match to Turkey.
What are the upcoming fixtures for both teams after this match?
Both teams advance to the Round of 32, Australia as Group D runners-up and Paraguay as a qualifying third-placed side. Their respective knockout opponents were confirmed once the remaining groups concluded, with both ties scheduled for the opening days of the last-32 round.
For Australia, reaching the knockout stage for a third time marks a milestone, and Popovic’s side will look to build on their defensive resilience. Paraguay, back in the World Cup knockout rounds after a long absence, will take heart from Orlando Gill’s form and Julio Enciso’s creativity as they prepare for the challenge ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did both Paraguay and Australia qualify for the knockout stage?
Yes. The 0-0 draw sent Australia through as Group D runners-up and Paraguay through as one of the eight best third-placed teams, so both nations reached the Round of 32.
Why did the match finish 0-0?
Both teams took a cautious approach, aware that a draw was likely to send both through. Australia created the better chances but were denied by Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill, and the game produced a combined 0.83 xG, the first match of the 2026 World Cup to finish below 1.0 expected goals.
Who was the standout player in Paraguay vs Australia?
Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill was decisive with five saves to secure the clean sheet, while Julio Enciso stood out in attack, completing 11 dribbles, the most by any player at the 2026 World Cup.
Which team had more chances?
Australia had the better of the chances, taking 12 shots to Paraguay’s seven and forcing five saves from Orlando Gill, but they could not find a breakthrough in the goalless draw.
