The national soccer team of Australia removed the last doubts about their participation in the 2026 World Cup in the USA on the last match day of Asia.
In the direct duel with Saudi Arabia, the socceroos secured a starting place for the mammoth tournament with 48 nations through a 2: 1 (1: 1) in Dschidda.
Saudi Arabia could only have suppressed the Australians in a win with five goals difference from the relevant second place behind Japan in the Asia Group C. After the opening goal by Abdulrahman al-Aboud (19th), Connor Metcalfe from Bundesliga club FC St. Pauli equalized (42nd). Japan professional Mitch Duke (48th) was the winning goal. Goalkeeper Mathew Ryan from RC Lens parried a penalty (85th).
In addition to Japan, Uzbekistan and Iran (group A) as well as South Korea and Jordan (Group B) had already qualified from Asia. For Uzbekistan and Jordan it is the first final round. In the South America qualification, defending champion Argentina has already prevailed. The three hosts USA, Canada and Mexico are automatically entitled to start at the World Cup.