Socceroos Seal Group D Runners-Up Spot in Goalless Santa Clara Stalemate

Paraguay and Australia played out a 0–0 draw at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium as Tony Popovic's Socceroos secured second place in Group D and a round-of-32 berth. Patrick Beach was rarely troubled as Paraguay pushed for a winner that would have lifted them above Australia on head-to-head, but Gustavo Alfaro's side could not convert any of their seven attempts despite needing all three points.

Australia finished with 56% possession, 12 shots and five on target to Paraguay's seven and two in front of 68,827 fans. Jackson Irvine and Diego Gómez were booked in the second half as a cagey contest stayed goalless after the break, with Aiden O'Neill named Superior Player of the Match for his screening role in midfield.

Australia advance on four points and will face the Group G runners-up in the last 32. Paraguay finish third on four points and remain in the hunt as one of the best third-placed teams — four points currently ranks fourth in the third-place table. The United States top the group despite losing to Türkiye in the simultaneous fixture in Los Angeles.