Santa Clara, June 26 -- Australia head coach Tony Popovic hailed his side's qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 as a "wonderful achievement" after the Socceroos played out a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Paraguay in their final Group D fixture in Santa Clara, California.

The draw was enough to secure Australia's second place in Group D after earlier results saw them defeat Turkey 2-0 and lose 2-0 to the United States. It marks Australia's third appearance in the World Cup knockout stage and their second successive qualification for the Round of 32.

"One wonderful achievement, from the backing of the FA all the way through to the staff, the players, the fans. It's a special day," said Popovic after the match, according t...