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The Socceroos are hoping to take a major step towards the FIFA World Cup knockouts as the final round of group stage play begins.
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FULL 2026 WORLD CUP SCHEDULE WITH AUSTRALIAN TIMES AND DATES
EXPLAINED: Socceroos’ knockout scenarios and who they can face in round-of-32
WORLD CUP MATCH CENTRE: Switzerland vs Canada scores, stats and more
WORLD CUP MATCH CENTRE: Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Qatar scores, stats and more
WORLD CUP MATCH CENTRE: Morocco vs Haiti scores, stats and more
WORLD CUP MATCH CENTRE: Scotland vs Brazil scores, stats and more
WORLD CUP MATCH CENTRE: Czechia vs Mexico scores, stats and more
WORLD CUP MATCH CENTRE: South Africa vs South Korea scores, stats and more
WHAT THE SOCCEROOS WANT ON THURSDAY
Australia will be looking to clinch a spot in the round-of-32 by earning at least a point against Paraguay on Friday (12pm AEST), but can still advance with a loss as one of the eight best third-placers.
Groups A, B and C are in action on Thursday and the Socceroos will be hoping all three of them provide a third-placer with a worse record than theirs – which, with a loss, would be 3 points and a negative goal difference (currently 0).
As it stands Australia has a 91% chance to advance, including an 80% chance even with a loss to Paraguay. (All numbers via The Athletic and as of 10pm Thursday.)
In Group B (5am games), Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar entered level on one point. Therefore a draw would be hugely advantageous to Australia, with their chances of advancing rocketing to 96%, while they would be 89% with a win in either direction.
In Group C (8am games), Scotland can advance with a point against Brazil, but a win by Brazil (and by as many goals as possible) would be ideal for Australia, boosting their chances by around 5%.
In Group A (11am games), Australia wants to see wins by group leaders Mexico (vs Czechia) and South Korea (vs South Africa) or draws.
Thursday June 25’s World Cup schedule
Match 51 – Group B – Switzerland vs Canada – 5am, BC Place, Vancouver
Match 52 – Group B – Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar – 5am, Lumen Field, Seattle
Match 49 – Group C – Scotland vs Brazil – 8am, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
Match 50 – Group C – Morocco vs Haiti – 8am, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Match 53 – Group A – Czechia vs Mexico – 11am, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Match 54 – Group A – South Africa vs South Korea – 11am, Estadio BBVA, Monterrey
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