2026 World Cup: Australia Secures Spot As 11th Nation To Qualify

2026 World Cup: Australia Secures Spot As 11th Nation To Qualify

Sampson Adedeji

Australia has officially secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the 11th nation to do so, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Socceroos confirmed their place after a 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Following a narrow 1-0 win against Japan in their previous match, Australia needed to avoid a heavy defeat—losing by fewer than five goals in Jeddah—to ensure progression.

This marks the first time in 12 years that Australia has earned an automatic World Cup qualification.

It will also be their sixth consecutive appearance at the global tournament. Saudi Arabia took an early lead in the 19th minute through Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, but Australia responded with goals from Connor Metcalfe and Mitch Duke to secure the comeback win.

Australia now joins Jordan and Uzbekistan among the latest teams to qualify.

Other nations that have already booked their spots include Japan, New Zealand, Iran, and Argentina. As co-hosts, the United States, Canada, and Mexico automatically qualified for the tournament.