Australia reach World Cup knockouts as Türkiye stun U.S. with late win

Australia reach World Cup knockouts as Türkiye stun U.S. with late win
FIFA World Cup 2026 - USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner attempts a save against Türkiye, Inglewood, California, U.S., 25 June 2026
Reuters

Australia booked its place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after a tense goalless draw with Paraguay. Already-eliminated Türkiye ended its campaign on a high with a dramatic 3-2 win over group winners the United States.

Australia held by Paraguay

Australia secured second place in Group D after a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Paraguay, which was enough to send the Socceroos into the Round of 32.

Australia controlled much of the match, with Jordan Bos, Aiden O’Neill and Cristian Volpato combining well down the right flank against a disciplined Paraguayan defence.

Jackson Irvine forced an early save from Orlando Gill inside three minutes, while Bos came closest late on when his effort flashed narrowly wide.

The result sends Australia through as runners-up, where they will face the second-placed team from Group G in Dallas on 3 July. Paraguay must now wait to see if its points tally is enough to progress as one of the best third-placed teams.

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Australia's Alessandro Circati in action with Paraguay's Alex Arce, Santa Clara, California, U.S., 25 June 2026
Reuters
Türkiye stun United States

Türkiye signed off from the tournament with a 3-2 victory over the United States in Los Angeles, despite having already been eliminated.

With top spot in Group D already secured, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino made nine changes, and the hosts struck early when Auston Trusty fired home from a Sebastian Berhalter corner.

Türkiye responded quickly as Arda Güler equalised after a slick exchange with Barış Yilmaz, becoming his country’s youngest World Cup goalscorer.

Barış Yilmaz then put Türkiye ahead before Berhalter levelled with a powerful strike early in the second half.

But Türkiye had the final word when Kaan Ayhan bundled in a stoppage-time winner in the eighth minute of added time, handing the Americans their first defeat of the group stage despite finishing top.

FIFA World Cup 2026 - USMNT's Brenden Aaronson and Türkiye's Abdülkerim Bardakcı battle for the ball, Inglewood, California, U.S., 25 June 2026
Reuters
Read more:

Tags