Overview

• Australia’s 1-0 win over Japan left them three points clear in Group C with goal difference protection against a heavy loss.
• Saudi Arabia must overturn a four-goal deficit by winning by five or more goals for a direct 2026 World Cup spot, a margin Australia last conceded in 2013.
• Coach Tony Popovic has urged his squad to maintain focus and treat the encounter as do-or-die despite their advantageous position.
• Hervé Renard acknowledged the odds but told his players to push for an all-out attacking display in front of a hostile, capacity crowd.
• Third- and fourth-placed finishers in each group will enter a fourth qualifying round in October to contest the final two Asian slots for the expanded tournament.