I remember when this news or the game leading into it, almost "stopped a nation".
www.socceroos.com.au
Football Australia is proud to confirm that the Subway Socceroos have officially qualified directly for the FIFA World Cup 2026 ™ following their decisive 2-1 performance against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Wednesday morning (AEST).
The result confirms Australia’s place on football’s biggest stage for a sixth consecutive and seventh overall appearance — a remarkable achievement that cements the national team’s standing in world football and continues to build a Forever Golden legacy for the game in Australia.
The qualification campaign included a memorable 1-0 victory over Japan in front of a sell-out crowd of 57,226 at Optus Stadium in Perth, where a sea of green and gold created one of the most electric atmospheres in Australian football history.
Playing in front of a vocal crowd at King Abdullah Sports City this morning, the Subway Socceroos delivered a composed and resilient performance to seal direct qualification. With the squad showing both maturity and hunger, this milestone reinforces the growing impact of Australian football on the global stage.
The Subway Socceroos successful qualification will see Australia come to life with excitement and celebration as Tony Popovic and his squad embark on more success in the historic 48 team FIFA World Cup 2026™.
This success is another significant milestone for Football Australia over the next year as Australian football continues to thrive -- including the launch of our Emerging Matildas and Emerging Socceroos Championships, the launch of the National Second Tier competition – the Australian Championship and hosting the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ in Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales.
From Perth to Jeddah: Socceroos qualify for FIFA World Cup™ 2026
Football Australia is proud to confirm that the Subway Socceroos have officially qualified directly for the FIF
Football Australia is proud to confirm that the Subway Socceroos have officially qualified directly for the FIFA World Cup 2026 ™ following their decisive 2-1 performance against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Wednesday morning (AEST).
The result confirms Australia’s place on football’s biggest stage for a sixth consecutive and seventh overall appearance — a remarkable achievement that cements the national team’s standing in world football and continues to build a Forever Golden legacy for the game in Australia.
The qualification campaign included a memorable 1-0 victory over Japan in front of a sell-out crowd of 57,226 at Optus Stadium in Perth, where a sea of green and gold created one of the most electric atmospheres in Australian football history.
Playing in front of a vocal crowd at King Abdullah Sports City this morning, the Subway Socceroos delivered a composed and resilient performance to seal direct qualification. With the squad showing both maturity and hunger, this milestone reinforces the growing impact of Australian football on the global stage.
The Subway Socceroos successful qualification will see Australia come to life with excitement and celebration as Tony Popovic and his squad embark on more success in the historic 48 team FIFA World Cup 2026™.
This success is another significant milestone for Football Australia over the next year as Australian football continues to thrive -- including the launch of our Emerging Matildas and Emerging Socceroos Championships, the launch of the National Second Tier competition – the Australian Championship and hosting the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ in Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales.
