Overview
- Australia holds a three-point lead and superior goal difference in Group C, meaning any defeat by fewer than five goals to Saudi Arabia on June 10 will deliver the Socceroos a direct spot at the 2026 World Cup.
- Saudi Arabia must win by a five-goal margin at King Abdullah Sports City to snatch second place in Group C, a feat made unlikely by their nine goals scored against Australia’s solid defense.
- South Korea sealed its qualification with a 2-0 victory over Iraq and plans to field younger, largely untested players in Tuesday’s final group match against Kuwait.
- Palestine enters its last qualifier against Oman with hopes of reaching its first World Cup, requiring a win to secure a place in the fourth round of Asian qualification.
- Asia’s third-round qualifiers wrap up on June 10 with the top two from each group earning direct berths to the expanded 48-team tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.