Will the "Disgrace of Gijón" Be Repeated at the 2026 World Cup?

Australia and Paraguay could both qualify for the World Cup knockout stages if their Group D meeting ends in a draw.

With the United States top on six points and Turkey already eliminated on zero, a stalemate would leave Australia and Paraguay level on four points apiece. Under this tournament’s format, that would be enough for both to move on to the round of 16.

The expanded World Cup also sends eight third-placed teams into the knockout phase, which strengthens the chance that a draw settles matters for both sides.

The scenario has drawn comparisons with the 1982 World Cup’s final-group controversy between West Germany and Austria, the match known as the Disgrace of Gijón. West Germany won 1-0, Algeria were knocked out and FIFA later changed the rules to require simultaneous kick-offs on the last group-stage matchday.