The Socceroos will participate in their sixth World Cup in a row after defeating Saudi Arabia 2-1, marking an amazing comeback in their qualifying journey.
Following their surprising 1-0 victory over Japan, the Socceroos only needed to avoid losing by five or more goals in their last match in Jeddah to earn automatic qualification for the World Cup finals for the first time in 12 years.
Saudi forward Abdulrahman Al-Aboud scored early in the 19th minute at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, creating some tension.
However, striker Mitch Duke assisted Connor Metcalfe to level the score in the 42nd minute and then put Australia ahead just three minutes into the second half.
In his 100th game, goalkeeper and captain Mat Ryan saved a penalty shot from Salem Al-Dawsari in the 84th minute, securing the win. With this victory, Australia (19 points, +9 goal difference) qualifies automatically for the tournament next year in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
They take the second spot behind Japan (23 points, +27) and ahead of Saudi Arabia (13 points, -1).
“It’d be great if I could find a way to freeze time,” Ryan shared. “You sit down as a team and figure out how to succeed together. That final moment and feeling is what drives us to keep pushing forward—the dedication and sacrifice are worth it.”
This result highlights the excellent work Tony Popovic has done as national team manager since taking over in September.
He remains unbeaten after Graham Arnold managed just one point from Australia’s first two games. “I’m very satisfied right now. I’m sure it will hit me more as days pass,” Popovic reflected on this “very special” achievement. “It’s been an intense time since I joined, and I’ve really enjoyed it.”
“We’ve completed the first stage, qualifying automatically, and now we aim to improve for the World Cup,” said Herve Renard. His team is now set to face fourth-placed Indonesia in the next round of qualifiers.
In the 18th minute, Martin Boyle missed a shot wide, and Saudi Arabia quickly took advantage by scoring at the other end. Al-Dawsari, who often causes problems for Australia, passed the ball to Firas Al-Buraikan and then sprinted forward to retrieve it.
He then assisted Al-Aboud, who tapped it in from close range after it deflected off Ryan’s glove.
Australia fought back when Duke got the ball on the wing and sent a well-placed pass to FC St. Pauli midfielder Metcalfe, who scored his first goal for the Socceroos confidently. Just three minutes into the second half, Boyle delivered a free kick that Duke connected with, marking his first goal for the Socceroos since January 2024.
In the 52nd minute, Ali Majrashi received a red card for stopping an obvious scoring chance against Boyle, but this decision was reversed after a long VAR review. Later on, Saudi Arabia was awarded a penalty when Jason Geria was deemed to have fouled Al-Dawsari; however, Ryan managed to save the penalty kick.
