Lucas Herrington makes historic World Cup debut for Australia | OneFootball

By Jaime Uribarri

Colorado Rapids center back Lucas Herrington made history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday while helping Australia qualify for the knockout rounds.

The 18-year-old defender became the youngest-ever MLS and Socceroos player to start a World Cup game as Australia clinched second place in Group D (four points) with a 0-0 draw against Paraguay.

With Thursday's result, the Socceroos will face the runner-up finishers from Group G on July 3 in the Round of 32.

"I can't really describe it. It means everything to me to represent the Socceroos at a World Cup," Herrington said post-match.

"I've been dreaming of it since I was a kid, and to be able to do that today, it's so, so special. I can't wait for the knockouts."

Rising star

Herrington's first World Cup appearance comes amid a standout debut season with the Rapids.

Acquired from A-League side Brisbane Roar FC, he's played every minute (1,350) of Colorado's 2026 campaign to emerge as one of MLS's top young talents.

Reported interest in Herrington from European clubs will likely increase after Friday's solid 90-minute shift helped Australia deliver their second clean sheet of the tournament.

Herrington was named to Australia's starting XI alongside New York City FC midfielder Aiden O'Neill, who went the full 90 minutes for the third straight World Cup match.

The Socceroos have qualified for their third-ever World Cup knockout phase. They made the Round of 16 at the 2006 and 2022 tournaments.

"There's a lot of belief [in the camp], obviously. We want to go as far as we can. We want to finish as high as possible and we're gonna do that," Herrington said of the knockouts.

"We're gonna fight every game. We're gonna give our all until we're knocked out and we're gonna do everything we can."

MLS presence

Paraguay, who ended Group D play with four points but a worse goal difference than Australia, can still advance to the knockout stages as one of the tournament's best third-place finishers. 

La Albirroja featured Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Andrés Cubas in their starting lineup.

Atlanta United midfielder Miguel Almirón was suspended for Paraguay after getting a red card in last week's 1-0 win over Türkiye.

WATCH: Australia defender Lucas Herrington | 2026 FIFA World Cup