United States Qualify Despite Defeat, Australia Secure Spot In The 2026 World Cup Round Of 32.

The United States have secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32, despite closing out the group stage with a dramatic 2-3 defeat against Turkey. At the same time, Australia confirmed their place alongside the host nation in advancing from Group D after playing out a goalless draw against Paraguay.

The match between the United States and Turkey, held at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday morning WIB, unfolded at a high tempo. The hosts took just three minutes to open the scoring, as Auston Trusty put them ahead with a header.

This lead did not hold for long. Turkey responded rapidly in the 10th minute through Arda Guler, who converted a feed from Alper Yilmaz. The goal shifted the match momentum and immediately restored Turkey's confidence.

The United States found the back of the net through Mark McKenzie in the 29th minute, but McKenzie's celebrations were cut short as the assistant referee had already raised the offside flag.

Two minutes later, Orkun Kokcu finished off a sharp one-two combination with a close-range tap-in. Turkey closed out the first half holding a 2-1 advantage.

Three minutes after the half-time break, Sebastian Berhalter levelled the score after pouncing on a loose rebound just inside the penalty area. His low driven strike made it 2-2 on the scoresheet.

The United States kept pushing forward to turn the match around, but Turkey's defensive line successfully neutralised every attacking opportunity created.

Just as the match appeared set to end in a draw, Turkey stole the victory in stoppage time. Connecting with an assist from Can Uzun, Kaan Ayhan scored the decisive winning goal with a tight finish to make the final score 3-2.

Australia Advance Alongside United States

Australia and Paraguay played out a goalless stalemate at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara. Both teams adopted a cautious approach from the very first whistle, as a draw was already a favourable result for both sides' group standings.

Australia maintained disciplined organisation throughout the full 90 minutes, successfully absorbing all pressure from Paraguay until the final whistle. This single point confirmed the Socceroos as Group D runners-up, securing their place alongside the United States in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32.

Paraguay meanwhile remain in contention to continue their tournament run with four points. Having finished third in Group D, the side holds strong chances of progressing via the best third-placed team qualification path.