Riyadh, June 10, 2025 – In a fiercely contested AFC World Cup qualification match held at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Australia edged out Saudi Arabia 2–1, securing their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
The match was a do-or-die encounter for both sides, but it was the Socceroos who displayed greater composure and tactical discipline to grab all three points on Saudi soil. With the victory, Australia officially clinched a spot in the upcoming global football tournament set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Australia struck first, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to take an early lead. Saudi Arabia responded with intensity, drawing level before halftime through a well-placed strike from star forward Salem Al-Dawsari, igniting hope among the home fans. However, the visitors reclaimed the lead in the second half with a clinical finish that left the Saudi goalkeeper stranded.
Despite a late surge from the Green Falcons, Australia held firm defensively to seal the win and leap ahead in Group A standings.
The defeat is a significant blow to Saudi Arabia’s qualification hopes, as they now face an uphill battle in the remaining matches to secure a playoff position. The Kingdom’s fans, who had packed the stadium in green and white, were visibly disappointed at the final whistle.
Australian players and coaching staff celebrated their qualification with joy, praising the team’s resilience and unity throughout the qualification campaign. The victory underlines Australia’s continued dominance in Asian football, having now qualified for their sixth consecutive World Cup.
Saudi Arabia’s coach admitted in a post-match interview that tactical errors cost them dearly but vowed to rally the team for the remaining fixtures. “We still have a path to fight for. We will not give up,” he said.
The result marks a moment of triumph for Australian football, while for Saudi Arabia, it signals a time for introspection and tactical recalibration as the road to the World Cup continues.
