Australia have booked their place within the knockout part of the World Cup for the third time of their historical past.
Their opening recreation win over Turkiye offered Tony Popovic’s facet with the proper platform to qualify from the group stage.
A loss in opposition to the USA dampened spirits considerably, however their draw with Paraguay meant they completed second in Group D.
Crucially, that second-placed end means the Socceroos have averted Germany within the subsequent spherical.
Regardless of a few poor performances, Julian Nagelsmann’s facet are an actual risk within the event.
As an alternative, Australia will discover themselves dealing with whoever finishes second in a wide-open Group G.
Australia have certified for the spherical of 32 on the 2026 World Cup after their draw with Paraguay
They might probably face Mohamed Salah’s Egypt within the subsequent spherical
Mehdi Taremi and Iran at the moment sit in second place and are the place holder opponent for Australia
Belgium have endured a troublesome event, however they’re nonetheless a harmful potential opponent
New Zealand at the moment prop up Group G however a win over Belgium may see them tackle the Socceroos within the nect spherical
Egypt at the moment sit prime of that group on 4 factors, having drawn with Belgium earlier than beating New Zealand.
The record-holding, seven-time AFCON winners have proven themselves to be troublesome opposition to this point on the World Cup.
Belgium struggled to interrupt down their compact defence of their opening tie, and it seemed like they had been in actual bother after New Zealand had taken the lead by way of Finn Surman.
However after Mostafa Zizo had levelled proceedings, up stepped Mohamed Salah to present his facet the lead earlier than Trezeguet wrapped up the comeback.
Iran are maybe the best opponent Australia can face, and so they at the moment sit second within the group on two factors.
However they are going to be stuffed with confidence if they’ll maintain on to second place, having collected attracts in opposition to Belgium and New Zealand.
In actual fact, they seemed to have scored the one purpose of the sport by way of Mehdi Taremi from a well taken free-kick, just for it to be dominated out for a slender offside.
Soccer followers will likely be accustomed to Taremi; the previous Porto and Inter Milan striker boasts Champions League pedigree for a resilient Iran facet.
Then comes the true concern: although they’ve been sputtering, Belgium is a facet affected by trophy winners.
However two attracts from two video games have left Rudi Garcia’s facet on the point of what could be a damning elimination.
With the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, Leandro Trossard and Thibaut Courtois in purpose, it might be a mistake to dismiss the Crimson Devils.
Whereas they’re the most important risk to Australia’s progress into the spherical of 16 on paper, Tony Popovic will likely be very conscious of their struggles.
And if they’ll keep their stable defensive efficiency from their draw in opposition to Paraguay, then there’s each probability they may spring a shock.
Then comes the tie that maybe everybody would actually wish to see: neighbours New Zealand.
The All Whites at the moment sit backside of Group G on only one level, and have the troublesome activity of Belgium of their final recreation.
They’ve additionally showcased an actual attacking risk all through the event, scoring three targets in two video games.
Nottingham Forest star Chris Wooden leads the road for Darren Bazeley’s facet and he has oozed Premier League high quality in each of their video games to this point, even when he hasn’t discovered the again of the web.
It’s a match-up that the Socceroos have dominated all through historical past; they have not misplaced to New Zealand since 2002.
Australia will wait with bated breath to seek out out their opponents within the spherical of 32, however for now they’ll have a good time making the knockouts for the third time of their historical past.
