Australia have booked their place in the knockout phase of the World Cup for the third time in their history.
Their opening game win over Turkiye provided Tony Popovic’s side with the perfect platform to qualify from the group stage.
A loss against the USA dampened spirits somewhat, but their draw with Paraguay meant they finished second in Group D.
Crucially, that second-placed finish means the Socceroos have avoided Germany in the next round.
Despite a couple of poor performances, Julian Nagelsmann’s side are a real threat in the tournament.
Instead, Australia will find themselves facing whoever finishes second in a wide-open Group G.
Australia have qualified for the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup after their draw with Paraguay
They could potentially face Mohamed Salah’s Egypt in the next round
Mehdi Taremi and Iran currently sit in second place and are the place holder opponent for Australia
Belgium have endured a difficult tournament, but they are still a dangerous potential opponent
New Zealand currently prop up Group G but a win over Belgium could see them take on the Socceroos in the nect round
Egypt currently sit top of that group on four points, having drawn with Belgium before beating New Zealand.
The record-holding, seven-time AFCON winners have shown themselves to be difficult opposition so far at the World Cup.
Belgium struggled to break down their compact defence in their opening tie, and it looked like they were in real trouble after New Zealand had taken the lead through Finn Surman.
But after Mostafa Zizo had levelled proceedings, up stepped Mohamed Salah to give his side the lead before Trezeguet wrapped up the comeback.
Iran are perhaps the easiest opponent Australia can face, and they currently sit second in the group on two points.
But they will be full of confidence if they can hold on to second place, having collected draws against Belgium and New Zealand.
In fact, they looked to have scored the only goal of the game through Mehdi Taremi from a smartly taken free-kick, only for it to be ruled out for a narrow offside.
Football fans will be familiar with Taremi; the former Porto and Inter Milan striker boasts Champions League pedigree for a resilient Iran side.
Then comes the real concern: though they have been sputtering, Belgium is a side littered with trophy winners.
But two draws from two games have left Rudi Garcia’s side on the brink of what would be a damning elimination.
With the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, Leandro Trossard and Thibaut Courtois in goal, it would be a mistake to dismiss the Red Devils.
While they are the biggest threat to Australia’s progress into the round of 16 on paper, Tony Popovic will be very aware of their struggles.
And if they can maintain their solid defensive performance from their draw against Paraguay, then there’s every chance they could spring a surprise.
Then comes the tie that perhaps everyone would really want to see: neighbours New Zealand.
The All Whites currently sit bottom of Group G on just one point, and have the difficult task of Belgium in their last game.
They have also showcased a real attacking threat throughout the tournament, scoring three goals in two games.
Nottingham Forest star Chris Wood leads the line for Darren Bazeley’s side and he has oozed Premier League quality in both of their games so far, even if he hasn’t found the back of the net.
It is a match-up that the Socceroos have dominated throughout history; they haven’t lost to New Zealand since 2002.
Australia will wait with bated breath to find out their opponents in the round of 32, but for now they can celebrate making the knockouts for the third time in their history.
