The Socceroos have progressed to the World Cup knockout rounds after securing a 0-0 draw against Paraguay on Thursday in the US (Friday AEST). The result was enough to advance, and the squad will now head to Dallas for a Round of 32 clash scheduled for Friday, July 3 local time, with a 4am AEST kick-off on Saturday, July 4.
Opponent Yet to Be Determined
The Socceroos will not learn their opponent until more group stage matches are played this weekend. Due to the World Cup's new 48-team format, eight of the 12 best third-place teams will progress to face group winners, while some group runners-up—including the Socceroos—will face other group runners-up. Australia will face the Group G runner-up in the Round of 32.
Four teams remain in contention for that spot: Belgium, Iran, Egypt, or New Zealand. Belgium will face New Zealand, and Iran will clash with Egypt on Friday in the US (Saturday AEST) to determine the final standings.
Group G Scenarios
Egypt only need a point against Iran to secure top spot in the group. If Egypt win or draw, Belgium would secure second place with a win over New Zealand, setting up a clash with the Socceroos. The Athletic's projections currently give Belgium a 60 per cent chance of progressing in second place. However, Iran are not to be counted out, having held Belgium to a draw earlier in the group stage.
If Belgium beat New Zealand and Iran beat Egypt, Belgium would advance as Group G winners, with Iran progressing in second to face the Socceroos. Iran would also finish second if they draw with Egypt and Belgium draw with New Zealand.
Potential Trans-Tasman Clash
Intriguingly, Australia could face New Zealand in an extraordinary trans-Tasman clash. The Kiwis need to defeat Belgium while also needing Iran to draw with or lose to Egypt to set up a Socceroos vs All Whites blockbuster in the Round of 32.
