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Australia Poised for 2026 World Cup as Saudi Arabia Chases Near-Impossible Five-Goal Margin

Having secured qualification by beating Iraq, South Korea will use its final match to test emerging talent

Soccer Football - World Cup - Asian Qualifiers - Third Round - Group C - Japan v Australia - Saitama Stadium 2002, Saitama, Japan - October 15, 2024 Australia coach Tony Popovic shakes hands with Riley McGree after the match REUTERS/Issei Kato/File Photo
South Korean players train for a World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait at the National Football Center in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, on June 8, 2025. (Yonhap)
South Korean players train for a World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait at the National Football Center in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, on June 8, 2025. (Yonhap)
South Korean players and coaches prepare for a training session for a World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait at the National Football Center in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, on June 8, 2025. (Yonhap)

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.