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yesterday

South Korea, Japan and Australia Secure 2026 World Cup Berths With Decisive Final Qualifiers

Coaches fielded experimental lineups in the final qualifiers to assess emerging talent ahead of the expanded tournament

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Fans hold up the South Korean national flag, Taegeukgi, during South Korea's Group B match against Kuwait in the third round of the Asian World Cup qualification at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul on June 10, 2025. (Yonhap)
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Overview

  • South Korea finished Group B undefeated at 22 points after a 4-0 win over Kuwait, with head coach Hong Myung-bo testing seven players with fewer than ten caps.
  • Japan capped Group C at the top with 23 points and 30 goals by routing Indonesia 6-0, as coach Hajime Moriyasu debuted two players and rotated his squad.
  • Australia secured automatic qualification by overcoming Saudi Arabia 2-1 in Jeddah, with Connor Metcalfe scoring his first international goal and Mitch Duke adding a second before Maty Ryan’s penalty save preserved the win.
  • Under the Asian third-round format, the top two teams from each of three groups earn direct World Cup entry while the third and fourth finishers advance to a playoff for the remaining slots.
  • All three teams will now turn their focus to upcoming friendlies and regional tournaments as they integrate new talent and build momentum toward the 2026 World Cup in North America.