Dramatic Behich Goal Sends Australia Within Reach of World Cup Qualification Following Victory Against Japan

In a thrilling last gasp moment, left back Aziz Behich netted the winner, propelling Australia to the brink of qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Japan in Perth on Thursday.

With the clock winding down, Behich seized on Riley McGree’s cut-back, quickly turning to strike the ball into the net, igniting jubilation among the 57,226-strong crowd who had witnessed a challenging display from the Socceroos.

Currently sitting in second place in Group C, Australia trails behind Japan, who have already secured qualification. The Socceroos will guarantee their spot in the finals if third-placed Saudi Arabia fails to overcome Bahrain later on Thursday in Riffa.

Even if they do not get the desired result from Bahrain, Australia’s superior goal difference means they can still progress to their sixth consecutive World Cup as long as they avoid a heavy defeat against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah next Tuesday.

“It’s an incredible feeling,” remarked Behich. “It was a demanding game, and we knew we had to dig deep. The boss told us at halftime that we’d get our chance if we stayed persistent. Luckily, it came my way.”

This marked Australia’s first victory over the Samurai Blue in 16 years, with Japan suffering their first international defeat since February last year, which seemed unlikely until Behich’s goal in the 89th minute.

Despite Japan being the first nation to qualify for the World Cup and fielding a side with three debutants, they dominated possession while Australia battled to find their rhythm.

The Socceroos managed to secure their first corner only after half an hour, which culminated in their initial shot— a header from Connor Metcalfe that went wide.

While the Samurai Blue maintained possession, they struggled to threaten Mat Ryan in goal, with newcomer Yu Hirakawa coming closest to scoring with a low effort that sailed past the post in the 37th minute.

In an attempt to regain control, Australia coach Tony Popovic made two substitutions at halftime, but his players continued to be outplayed as Hajime Moriyasu’s youthful team dominated the ball.

Even with the introduction of more experienced substitutes, Japan failed to find the breakthrough, with Takefusa Kubo letting slip a golden opportunity in the 80th minute when he beat Ryan but missed the target.

Nevertheless, Australia persevered, and substitute McGree delivered a crucial moment of brilliance, evading his defender and reaching the byline before setting up Behich, who scored the decisive goal.