Australia qualified for next year’s World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico on Tuesday. Coach Tony Popovic’s team won 1-2 against Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia took a 1-0 lead in Jeddah through a goal by Abdulrahman Al Oboud. Connor Metcalfe made it 1-1 just before halftime, after which Mitchell Duke scored the 1-2 in the second half. Saudi Arabia was awarded a penalty in the final stages, but Salem Al Dawsari missed.
Thanks to the victory, Australia finished second in the qualifying pool, enough for direct qualification for the World Cup. Group winner Japan had already secured their place in the final tournament at an earlier stage.
Australia was also present in 1974 and the last five World Cups. The country never made it past the eighth finals (in 2006 and 2022).