The Socceroos have officially secured their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating Saudi Arabia in a crucial showdown in Jeddah.
The Aussies downed the Asian powerhouse 2-1 to notch up their first win on Saudi soil since 2011 and qualify for their sixth straight World Cup tournament.
Connor Metcalf and Mitch Duke both found the back of the net for Australia, while hero goalkeeper and skipper Mat Ryan saved a late penalty shot in the 85th minute to seal the victory.
“To get us here into automatic qualification, we haven’t done that for a while either, it just feels unbelievable,” Player of the match Mitch Duke said.
“I wasn’t even supposed to be here to be honest, Matt Leckie got injured and I was a late call-up.
“Personal triumph feels very good, but I’m just more happy for the boys honestly.
“Matty Ryan as well, 100 caps, what an absolute legend. He deserves this memory… Penalty save as well, I think he should have got man of the match to be honest, I couldn’t be happier for him”.
The result means Tony Popovic remains undefeated as Socceroos coach through eight matches in charge.
Next year’s World Cup is being hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
