California, June 26 -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lauded the national football team after the Socceroos secured qualification for the Round of 32 in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 following a goalless draw against Paraguay on Thursday (local time).

Taking to social media platform X, Albanese praised the team's performance and said the nation was proud of their achievement.

"Onto the knockouts of a FIFA World Cup. What an effort by our @Socceroos. You've made the nation proud," Albanese wrote.

https://x.com/AlboMP/status/2070359918532857987?s=20

Coming to the contest, Paraguay adopted a defensive approach for much of the game, while Australia dominated possession and created the better chances in a physical and intense...