USA Secures Group D, Australia and Paraguay Vie for Runner-Up Spot in FIFA World Cup 2026
June 25, Kathmandu — Two matches in Group D of the FIFA World Cup 2026 are scheduled for Friday morning. The United States will face Turkey, while Australia will compete against Paraguay. As co-hosts, the US has already secured a spot in the knockout stage with two consecutive wins. The battle for the second knockout berth is now between Australia and Paraguay. Turkey, having lost their first two matches, is confirmed to be eliminated from the group stage. The final group standings and the best third-place team will be decided after these matches.
The US has claimed the top spot in the group by winning both of their matches ahead of the final game. Australia and Paraguay, both on 3 points, are competing to finish as runner-up by winning their respective match. Turkey aims to conclude their campaign on a positive note. The US vs Turkey fixture will kick off at 7:45 am on Friday at Los Angeles Stadium. The US opened the tournament with a stunning 4-1 victory over Paraguay, followed by a 2-0 win against Australia, thereby assuring their advancement as group winners with a game to spare.
Playing on home soil, the US team has delivered an impressive group stage performance and aims to continue this momentum. They intend to use the game against Turkey as a final tune-up for the knockout phase. Turkey, initially viewed as a dark horse, disappointed by losing 2-0 to Australia and then 1-0 to Paraguay, finishing the match with ten men. For Turkey, the goal now is to finish the group stage on a positive note with a strong result in their final match.
Since the US has already secured qualification as group winners, they may rest key players against Turkey and provide opportunities for others. Currently ranked 17th in the FIFA World Rankings, the US faces Turkey, ranked 22nd, a familiar rival in international football. However, this is their first World Cup encounter. In their previous five meetings, the teams have won twice each, with one draw. Last year, Turkey clinched a 2-1 friendly victory in the US.
Group D winners, the US, will meet the runner-up or third-placed team from Group B in the Round of 32. The crucial match between Australia and Paraguay for the runner-up position will take place at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, starting at 7:45 am. Australia and Paraguay began their World Cup campaigns with contrasting results, but now share the same goal: advancing to the knockout round. This contest could see either both teams progress or only one securing knockout qualification.
The team that wins this match will finish as Group D runner-up and advance to the knockout stage. In the event of a draw, both teams maintain a chance to progress. Provided they both reach four points, Australia would secure the runner-up spot based on superior goal difference. Meanwhile, Paraguay could still qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. Even a loss could still see either team advance as a third-placed side with three points, depending on results and goal differences across other groups.
Australia seeks to advance beyond the group stage for the third time, having done so in 2006 and 2022. Paraguay aims for their fifth knockout appearance. FIFA ranks Australia 27th and Paraguay 41st. The Group D runner-up will face the winner of Group G in the next round.
