Group D wrapped up dramatically at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as Australia secured their place in the Round of 32 and Paraguay are strongly waiting for their Round of 32 fate with a third-placed finish, while Turkey ended their campaign on a high with a thrilling 3-2 victory over the United States. Despite the defeat, the United States had already qualified for the knockout stage as Group D winners.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Group D Final Points Table
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- 🇺🇸 United States finish top of Group D despite losing 3-2 to Turkey.
- 🇦🇺 Australia secure second place after a goalless draw with Paraguay.
- 🇵🇾 Paraguay finish with four points and remain in contention for a best third-placed qualification.
- 🇹🇷 Turkey end their FIFA World Cup 2026 journey with a morale-boosting victory.
- ✅ United States and Australia officially advance to the Round of 32.
Turkey 3-2 United States: Late Winner Ends Turkish Campaign on a High
Turkey bowed out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in memorable fashion after edging Group D winners the United States 3-2 in an entertaining contest.
The Americans made a dream start when Auston Trusty found the net in the third minute before Arda Güler restored parity just seven minutes later. Turkey continued to build momentum and took the lead through Barış Alper Yılmaz in the 31st minute.
The United States fought back after halftime, with Sebastian Berhalter equalising in the 49th minute to set up a tense finish. Just when the match looked destined for a draw, Kaan Ayhan struck deep into stoppage time to hand Turkey all three points.
Although Turkey finished their campaign with a victory, earlier results meant they could not climb into the qualification places. The United States, meanwhile, remained top of Group D thanks to their six-point tally and superior overall performance across the group stage.
FIFA World Cup 2026 (Group D): Turkey vs United States Official Match Stats
Match Highlights
- Final Score: Turkey 3-2 United States
- Scorers:
- Turkey : Arda Güler (10′), Barış Alper Yılmaz (31′), Kaan Ayhan (90+8′)
- United States: Auston Trusty (3′), Sebastian Berhalter (49′)
- Result: United States qualify for the Round of 32 as Group D winners; Turkey eliminated.
Paraguay 0-0 Australia: Stalemate Sends Australia into Knockout Stage
Australia booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after battling to a disciplined 0-0 draw against Paraguay in Santa Clara.
Neither side managed to find a breakthrough despite several promising attacking moments. Australia created the better opportunities during the opening half but could not beat the Paraguayan defence, while Paraguay pushed harder after the break, knowing victory would have guaranteed qualification.
The point proved enough for Australia, who finished second in Group D with four points and advanced behind group winners United States.
For Paraguay, the draw left them on four points as well. Their World Cup hopes now depended on the best third-placed rankings, with qualification no longer in their own hands after the final whistle.
FIFA World Cup 2026 (Group D): Paraguay vs Australia Official Match Stats
Match Highlights
- Final Score: Paraguay 0-0 Australia
- Clean Sheets: Paraguay and Australia
- Result: Australia qualify for the Round of 32 as Group D runners-up; Paraguay await the best eight third-placed standings.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Round of 32 Qualified Teams
Group D Qualification Summary
| Team | Status |
|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | ✅ Group Winners – Qualified |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | ✅ Group Runners-up – Qualified |
| 🇵🇾 Paraguay | ⏳ Await best third-placed ranking |
| 🇹🇷 Turkey | ❌ Eliminated |
The final matchday delivered late drama, but ultimately the United States and Australia emerged as the two automatic qualifiers from Group D. Paraguay’s World Cup fate remained uncertain, while Turkey signed off with one of their best performances of the tournament despite an early exit.