The Socceroos have survived a late and dramatic scare in a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia in World Cup qualifying.After spurning a number of good chances in the second half, Saudi Arabia thought they found a winner deep into stoppage time through Sultan Al-Ghanam,

The top two teams in Group C secure direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup, while third and fourth place go into the next round of qualifying. It only magnifies the importance of Thursday night’s crunch clash with the Saudis at AAMI Park, then the away match against Bahrain four days later in Riffa.

The third round of FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC qualifiers continues to provide nail-biting clashes with Saudi Arabia holding Australia to a goalless draw on return of its coach Herve Renard.

The Socceroos take on Saudi Arabia in their most important World Cup qualifier to date in Melbourne. Tony Popovic has had a positive start to his reign as Australia boss, winning 3-1 over China before gaining a more than credible point against Japan in Saitama.