Socceroos on the Cusp of 2026 World Cup Qualification

The Socceroos celebrate their last-minute win against Japan. Picture: Mark Metcalfe.

The Socceroos have stolen a shock 1-0 win in front of more than 57,000 fans at Perth's Optus Stadium over Asian giants Japan to take a giant leap towards qualification for the 2026 World Cup finals in the US, Canada and Mexico.

In the final minute of regulation time, substitute Riley McGree found space down the right wing and produced a cut back that fell for Aziz Behich, who finished superbly to send the home crowd into raptures.

The Socceroos have all but secured their place in next year’s World Cup, however Saudi Arabia still holds a mathematical chance at stealing the second qualifying berth in Group C after their 2-0 win over Bahrain earlier this morning.

The result means Saudi Arabia must hold the Socceroos scoreless and defeat them by at least five goals when the two teams meet on Wednesday morning (AEST) in order to match Australia on points and then qualify with a superior goal difference.

Australia was facing an uphill task coming into the match, having failed to beat Japan in 10 consecutive meetings dating way back to 2009.

Asian giants Japan meanwhile were riding a 21-match unbeaten streak in World Cup qualifiers, including 18 wins.