NYCFC's Australian players have a high chance of remaining in the World Cup | OneFootball

New York City FC fans already know that Matt Freese and the United States men's national team are already in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Stars and Stripes secured first place in Group D by beating the Australia national football team. Hence, that means that Aiden O'Neill and Kai Trewin's fate is somewhat unknown.

In other words, the NYCFC Aussies know they will not finish in first place since that belongs to the USMNT. No matter what happens in Thursday's match, that cannot change. The same goes for the fact that the Socceroos know they will not finish in fourth place. Rather than utilizing goal differential, the World Cup is using head-to-head to determine where one finishes in the standings. However, goal differential comes into play when there are draws.

So, what are the possibilities for Australia, as the national team heads into the final match of the group stage? Will NYCFC have any other players in the Round of 32?

NYCFC's Aussies should make the knockout rounds

As mentioned, Australia already knows they will not end up in first place or fourth place in Group D. Türkiye has already been eliminated based on the mentioned head-to-head decider. The country could beat the US 10-0 and still not make the next round.

As such, that gives NYCFC a high probability of seeing O'Neill and Trewin in the Round of 32. All of the second-place teams and the top eight third-place teams will move on. Therefore, there are a few scenarios for the Pigeons and the Socceroos.

To finish in second place, Australia can do two things. The national team is playing Paraguay, and a win and all three points will secure second place and a spot in the Round of 32. The USMNT had an incredible game against the South American team, and likely the Aussies want to replicate that result.

However, the Socceroos can also draw with Paraguay. As mentioned, when head-to-head cannot be used, FIFA returns to the goal differential. Since Australia would have a higher one in the event of a draw, that would lead to second place.

But if O'Neill and Trewin find themselves on the losing side, then things get tricky. Australia would have to officially wait until they can find out whether they are one of the top eight sides that will move on in the World Cup. And, if they finish in third place, then there are multiple pathways as well.

Plus, goal differential will come into play. If the Socceroos lose by a high number of goals, then that could see them on the outside looking in.

Nevertheless, NYCFC fans have a high chance of watching their Aussies move on in the World Cup. To make things easy, O'Neill and Trewin's team should aim for a win.