Paraguay hold Australia 0-0 in first half

Paraguay and Australia are locked in a goalless stalemate in their 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage encounter, with the Socceroos dominant in possession but unable to find a breakthrough against a resolute South American defence in the first half.

Australia have controlled 61 per cent of the ball and registered four shots, two of which have been on target, while also winning three corners to Paraguay's none. Yet Orlando Gill in the Paraguayan goal post has stood firm with two saves to deny the Australians and preserve parity.

Paraguay, by contrast, have barely threatened offensively — registering zero shots in total — but their defensive organisation has been disciplined. Gustavo Gómez has marshalled the backline effectively, limiting the space available to Australian forwards Nestory Irankunda and Cristian Volpato, both of whom have shown flashes of quality without reward.

The match has been clean so far, with no bookings for either side, though both teams have reported one injury apiece in what has been a physically demanding contest.

Australia will feel the pressure to convert their superiority into goals before Paraguay, who have shown they are capable of hitting on the break through Julio Enciso and Gabriel Ávalos, find a way to punish them on the counter.

The second half promises to be decisive.