Australia v Saudi Arabia: World Cup 2026 qualifier – live
Socceroos make history with stunning comeback after 25-year wait
Highlights
* Australia secured their place at the 2026 World Cup with a thrilling 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia. * The Socceroos were trailing 1-0 at the break but two goals in the second half from Craig Goodwin and Awer Mabil sealed the victory. * Goodwin's goal was a stunning strike from outside the box, while Mabil's came from a close-range header. * The win marked Australia's first victory over Saudi Arabia in a World Cup qualifier since 1997. * The Socceroos will now join Japan and South Korea as the three Asian nations to participate in the 2026 World Cup.After 25 years of waiting, the Socceroos have finally booked their place at the 2026 World Cup after a dramatic 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia.
The Green and Gold were in danger of missing out on the tournament for the first time since 1994 after trailing 1-0 at half-time.
But a stunning strike from outside the box by Craig Goodwin in the second half levelled the scores and gave the Socceroos hope.
And just minutes later, Awer Mabil completed the comeback with a close-range header to send the 45,000-strong crowd at Stadium Australia into raptures.
The win marked Australia's first victory over Saudi Arabia in a World Cup qualifier since 1997.
It also marked the end of a long and difficult road for the Socceroos, who have endured a turbulent qualification campaign that has seen them sacked coach Graham Arnold and replaced him with Tony Gustavsson.
But despite all the setbacks, the Socceroos have shown great resilience and determination to overcome the odds and secure their place at the 2026 World Cup.
