What Steps Do the Socceroos Need to Take to Secure Qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Impressive victories over Indonesia and China last month have kept Tony Popovic’s squad firmly on course for their sixth successive FIFA World Cup finals appearance. However, a surprising draw for Saudi Arabia against Japan has complicated the journey to North America.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup expanding from 32 to 48 teams, the Asian Football Confederation now boasts up to nine qualification slots, an increase from the six available for 2022. This alteration has created a more complex and drawn-out qualification process this time around.

Australia can streamline their route to the finals by securing victories in their two remaining qualifiers in June—first at home against the already qualified Japan, followed by an away match against third-placed Saudi Arabia in Riyadh just five days later.

Achieving victory in both matches would guarantee a top-two finish, allowing Australia to advance to the 2026 finals alongside their neighbours New Zealand and group leaders Japan.

However, should Australia falter against Japan in Perth while Saudi Arabia secures a crucial three points in Bahrain, the two teams would meet in Riyadh, where a draw would suffice for Australia to finish above Saudi Arabia on goal difference.

What happens next if Australia doesn’t secure a top-two finish?

The third and fourth place finishers from Groups A, B, and C will progress to the fourth round of Asian qualifying. Here, the six teams will be divided into two groups of three and play against each other once (two matches per team). The top team from each group will then qualify for the World Cup.

The second-placed teams from these two groups will progress to the fifth round, where they will face off in a two-leg play-off in November 2025. The winner of this play-off will then advance to the inter-confederation play-offs in March 2026.

Socceroos head coach Tony Popovic has emphasized the need for caution, labelling both Japan and Saudi Arabia as “the best (teams) in Asia“.

“Now the challenge is significant,” Popovic remarked following their last match.

“We were in front when we began this qualifying window … we did our part. We secured six points and extended our lead to three (points).

“We’re in a strong position because the outcome is in our hands.

“However, we need to get the job done; these are two crucial matches ahead, starting with Japan in Perth, which will be a special occasion.”