The Kookaburras overtook England and jumped to the top of Pool B after beating Pakistan 2-1, after Spain ended England's four-game winning streak with a 2-0 victory.
Despite losing its opening pool match to England, Australia went to the top of the table on superior goal difference.
The two sides will await the remaining group matches in Pool A, late Tuesday night and early Wednesday (AEDT), to learn who of the Netherlands, Germany, Korea and New Zealand progress to the semi-finals.
Australia will play the second-ranked team from the other group and England the top team in the semi-finals, to be played early Friday morning (AEDT).
Although Australia was pleased to finish top, coach Ric Charlesworth reminded the team it needed to improve to avoid another painful exit at the semi-final stage, such as when beaten by Spain at the 2008 Olympics.
"It's always another level going into the finals and we found that out at Beijing in the Olympics when we played Spain and it went up a whole new level," said striker Des Abbott, who scored both goals in the win over Pakistan.
"It's already been talked about from after the game, all the boys know that now, that it's must-win from here.
"This is the start now, the first bit is done which we're all very, very happy about, but now it's the business end of it all and this is what we've trained for over the past year."
Abbott said the Kookaburras were pleased to have reached the semi-finals after the disappointing start to their tournament, and was confident they could raise their game in their pursuit of a first world title since 1986.
"The boys know how good we can be, so it's just a case of hopefully putting it together on the day," he said.
Australia rotated its squad during the game against Pakistan, whose defeat left it last in its group.
Spain finished third and host nation India fourth, thanks to a 3-3 draw with South Africa, which finished fifth.
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