Socceroos Qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Staff Writers
- 5 days ago
- 1 min read
The Socceroos have officially locked in their place for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Saudi Arabia 2-1 at King Abdullah Sport City in Jeddah.
Australia's place in the World Cup was all but secured heading in to the match, with a five-goal loss the only thing that could have kept them out.
But the Socceroos nevertheless played an attacking game style to score their first win over Saudi Arabia since 2017, which left commentators and fans impressed with their form.
Saudi Arabia struck first through Abdulrahman Alobud in the 19th minute and looked like they would take a 1-0 lead until half time, before Connor Metcalfe equalised in the 42nd minute.
Mitchell Duke assisted on Metcalfe's goal, and scored a goal of his own with a header off a free kick in the 48th minute to give the Socceroos the lead straight out of half time.
Saudi Arabia squandered a golden opportunity to equalise 15 minutes later, and were denied one final chance at levelling the scores when captain and goalkeeper Mat Ryan saved a penalty shot in the dying moments to cap off a sensational 100th game for the national team.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted jointly by USA, Canada and Mexico. It will be Australia's sixth successive appearance.
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