Australia have joined Japan and South Korea in securing their place at the 2026 World Cup in North America after a crucial 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia in Jeddah. The victory confirmed Australia’s second-place finish in Group C behind Japan, who had already qualified.
Saudi Arabia, needing a five-goal win to overtake the Socceroos, took the lead through Abdulrahman Al-Aboud in the 19th minute. However, Australia responded with a goal from Connor Metcalfe before halftime and a header from Mitch Duke early in the second half. Mathew Ryan preserved the lead with a penalty save in the closing minutes, ensuring Australia’s sixth consecutive World Cup appearance.
In Group B, Palestine’s hopes of reaching the World Cup for the first time came to an end after a dramatic 1-1 draw with Oman in Amman. Oday Kharoub had given Palestine the lead, but a late penalty converted by Issam Al-Sabhi in the 97th minute sent Oman through to the fourth round instead.
Palestine, forced to play at a neutral venue due to ongoing conflict, saw their campaign end with Oman claiming fourth place and a chance to fight for one of two remaining spots in October’s fourth round, which includes Oman, UAE, Qatar, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia.
Meanwhile, Japan completed their group campaign with a dominant 6-0 victory over Indonesia in Osaka. Daichi Kamada scored twice, with additional goals from Takefusa Kubo, Ryoya Morishita, Shuto Machino, and Mao Hosoya.
South Korea also rounded off their campaign in style, beating Kuwait 4-0 in Seoul. Goals came from Lee Kang-in, Oh Hyeon-gyu, Lee Jae-sung, and Jeon Jin-woo, with Son Heung-min making a late substitute appearance to the delight of home fans.
Iran and Uzbekistan from Group A, and Jordan and South Korea from Group B, had already secured their spots before the final matchday. Iraq, who beat Jordan 1-0, confirmed third place in their group and will move on to the fourth round.
