Australia vs Saudi Arabia, 2026 World Cup Qualifying - AFC, Third Round
· FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFCSocceroos held to Saudi stalemate in Cup qualifier
The Socceroos have been left to rue failing to seize control of their World Cup qualification bid after they were held to a 0-0 home draw by Saudi Arabia.
Match Commentary
- 15': Ahmed Al-Kassar (Saudi Arabia) Yellow Card at 15'
- 45': Nishan Velupillay (Australia) Substitution at 45'
- 57': Abdullah Al-Khaibari (Saudi Arabia) Substitution at 57'
- 57': Abdullah Al-Hamddan (Saudi Arabia) Substitution at 57'
- 63': Ali Al-Bulayhi (Saudi Arabia) Yellow Card at 63'
- 65': Riley McGree (Australia) Yellow Card at 65'
- 74': Anthony Cáceres (Australia) Substitution at 74'
- 74': Brandon Borrello (Australia) Substitution at 74'
- 82': Aziz Behich (Australia) Substitution at 82'
- 88': Awn Al-Saluli (Saudi Arabia) Substitution at 88'
- 88': Sultan Al-Ghannam (Saudi Arabia) Substitution at 88'
- 90': Kusini Yengi (Australia) Substitution at 90'
- 90'+2': Jason Geria (Australia) Yellow Card at 92'
- 90'+7': Abdullah Radif (Saudi Arabia) Substitution at 97'
Statistics
 KSA |
AUS |
|
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Fouls | 10 |
| 2 | Yellow Cards | 2 |
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 |
| 0 | Offsides | 0 |
| 3 | Corner Kicks | 3 |
| 1 | Saves | 1 |
| 57.6 | Possession | 42.4 |
| 3 | SHOTS | 13 |
| 1 | ON GOAL | 2 |
| 0.3 | On Target % | 0.2 |
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 |
| 0 | Penalty Kicks Taken | 0 |
| 0 | Accurate Passes | 0 |
| 0 | Passes | 0 |
| 0.0 | Pass Completion % | 0.0 |
| 0 | Accurate Crosses | 0 |
| 0 | Crosses | 0 |
| 0.0 | Cross % | 0.0 |
| 0 | Long Balls | 0 |
| 0 | Accurate Long Balls | 0 |
| 0.0 | Long Balls % | 0.0 |
| 1 | Blocked Shots | 6 |
| 0 | Effective Tackles | 0 |
| 0 | Tackles | 0 |
| 0.0 | Tackle % | 0.0 |
| 0 | Interceptions | 0 |
| 0 | Effective Clearances | 0 |
| 0 | Clearances | 0 |
Game Information
Venue: AAMI Park
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Attendance: 27,491
WCQ - AFC Standings
| # | TEAM | GP | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Japan | 9 | +21 | 20 |
| 2 | Australia | 9 | +8 | 16 |
| 3 | Saudi Arabia | 9 | 0 | 13 |
| 4 | Indonesia | 9 | -5 | 12 |
Line-Ups
Australia (3-4-2-1)
| No. | Name |
|---|---|
| 18 | Joe Gauci (GK) |
| 19 | Harry Souttar |
| 21 | Cameron Burgess |
| 8 | Jason Geria  |
| 22 | Jackson Irvine |
| 13 | Aiden O'Neill |
| 5 | Jordan Bos |
| 3 | Lewis Miller |
| 15 | Mitchell Duke |
| 14 | Riley McGree |
| 10 | Ajdin Hrustic |
Saudi Arabia (4-1-4-1)
| No. | Name |
|---|---|
| 22 | Ahmed Al-Kassar (GK) |
| 5 | Ali Al-Bulayhi |
| 17 | Hassan Al-Tombakti |
| 16 | Faisal Al-Ghamdi |
| 13 | Yasser Al-Shahrani |
| 12 | Saud Abdulhamid |
| 6 | Nasser Al-Dawsari |
| 10 | Musab Al-Juwayr |
| 9 | Feras Al-Brikan |
| 8 | Marwan Al-Sahafi |
| 11 | Saleh Al-Shehri |
WCQ - AFC News
The race for the 2026 World Cup has begun in earnest. Here's how it's looking around the globe.
The rapid rise of Kasey Bos is set to continue, with sources telling ESPN that the 21-year-old is nearing a move to Bundesliga outfit FSV Mainz.
Socceroos winger Daniel Arzani says he is yet to decide on his club future, but confirmed he's in discussions with several teams as his contract with Melbourne Victory nears its end -- amid reported interest from Scotland.
Socceroos forward Brandon Borrello says there is "no chance" Australia will let their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification dream slip away in Saudi Arabia next week.
Uzbekistan coach Timur Kapadze lauded the efforts of his players after the Central Asian country qualified for the World Cup for the first time.