The report says Belgium sit second after drawing with Iran, while Egypt moved to four points from two matches after beating New Zealand.
Belgium would reportedly need to beat New Zealand by two goals and rely on Egypt dropping points against Iran to move top. If those results do not arrive, Australia are expected to face Belgium in the last 16.
That would represent a sharp rise in difficulty. Australia’s reported route through the group has been built on defensive control, but a knockout tie against an established European side would demand greater composure in possession and more threat in transition.
Australia can celebrate reaching the knockout stage, yet the draw has left the next challenge almost entirely dependent on another group’s final results. A scoreless finish against Paraguay was enough for progress, but Belgium’s position means the Socceroos may need to produce a more complete performance immediately.
The uncertainty also creates a psychological challenge. Preparing for Belgium is different from preparing for Iran or Egypt, particularly when the opponent’s own position remains unsettled.
The report says a meeting with New Zealand remains possible, but only if New Zealand upset Belgium and Iran avoid defeat against Egypt. Both Group G fixtures are scheduled for 11am on Saturday, when the final order should become clear.
Until then, Australia know they are reportedly through but not whether the next assignment will be a regional rivalry or a heavyweight European examination. The Group G permutations are now the key storyline, with Belgium still the most probable obstacle.