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Scottish Envy as Australia Clinch World Cup Joy of Six - and Tiny Nation Named After Scotland Could Join Them

Australia secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup by defeating Saudi Arabia 2-1 at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in the concluding match of the AFC third-round qualifiers.
Australia needed to avoid losing by five goals in this must-win match after a slow start under Graham Arnold and the arrival of new coach Tony Popovic.
Saudi's Abdulrahman Al-Aboud scored first before Connor Metcalfe equalised from Mitch Duke’s assist, and Duke scored the winning goal after halftime.
Captain goalkeeper Mat Ryan made his 100th appearance and saved a penalty from Salem Al-Dawsari in the 84th minute to seal the victory and qualification.
The victory secured Australia's second-place finish in their group with 19 points and a goal difference of +9, ensuring their spot in the World Cup for the sixth time in a row, just behind Japan.

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The Scotsman

Center

Scottish envy as Australia clinch World Cup joy of six - and tiny nation named after Scotland could join them

Several countries already home and hosed for 2026 tournament

3 days ago·Scotland, United Kingdom

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Eesti Rahvusringhääling

Center

Australia Reached Their Sixth Consecutive World Cup Finals

Australia qualified for the World Cup finals for the sixth time in a row when they defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1 in a qualifying match.

3 days ago·Estonia

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Deccan Chronicle

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Australia Qualifies for 2026 FIFA World Cup With 2-1 Win Over Saudi Arabia

Needing just to avoid a five-goal defeat to secure direct entry to the 2026 tournament, the Socceroos rallied with Metcalfe equalizing just before halftime with a left-foot strike and Duke putting them ahead with a 48th-minute header

3 days ago·Hyderabad, India

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ABC Australia

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Socceroos' milestone man wanted to 'freeze time' after Saudi penalty save

The keeper said he felt like he had played his final Socceroos match when he was left out of the starting XI late last year. Now he's celebrated his 100th international with a fine penalty stop as Australia progressed to the FIFA World Cup.

4 days ago·Australia

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The Hindu

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Australia qualifies for FIFA World Cup 2026; beats Saudi Arabia 2-1 in qualifier

After beating Group C winner Japan 1-0 last week, the Socceroos only needed to avoid a 5-0 loss to the Saudis to take their place in the FIFA World Cup.

4 days ago·India

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