Socceroos Secure Sixth Consecutive World Cup with Saudi Arabia Win

The Socceroos have secured automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup, marking their sixth consecutive appearance in the tournament. Their qualification was confirmed after a crucial 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia, where goalkeeper Mathew Ryan notably saved a late penalty, celebrating his 100th cap. This achievement follows an impressive turnaround under coach Tony Popovic, who took over after a poor start to the qualifiers and has since maintained an unbeaten record. Australia's defensive strength has been a key factor, with the team conceding minimal goals, though Popovic acknowledges the need for more attacking improvements ahead of the World Cup. The Socceroos will join Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, and New Zealand in the tournament hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This milestone reflects the resilience and commitment of the team and Australian football as a whole.