The Socceroos' next stage of World Cup 2026 qualifying is underway.
After a flawless run in the second round, Australia are being seriously tested in the third round.
They are currently competing in Group C, which features Japan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, China and Indonesia.
A top-two finish in the group will secure them automatic qualification into the World Cup.
JUMP TO: World Cup qualifying schedule/results
Socceroos AFC 3rd round World Cup 2026 qualifying standings
Group C
| Pos. | Team | Played | Win | Draw | Loss | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Japan | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 15 | 1 | 14 | 10 |
| 2. | Australia | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 6 |
| 3. | Saudi Arabia | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 6 |
| 4. | Bahrain | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 7 | -4 | 5 |
| 5. | Indonesia | 4 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 3 |
| 6. | China | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 13 | -9 | 3 |
Qualification
- Two top teams from the group qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Third and fourth-placed teams proceed to the fourth round, where they compete against four other Asian nations for two 2026 FIFA World Cup spots
- One team will then proceed to the intercontinental play-off
Socceroos AFC third round World Cup 2026 qualifying schedule
The schedule and results for third round World Cup qualifying is as follows:
| Matchday 1 | 5 September 2024 | Socceroos 0-1 Bahrain | Robina Stadium |
| Matchday 2 | 10 September 2024 | Indonesia 0-0 Socceroos | Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium |
| Matchday 3 | 10 October 2024 | Socceroos 3-1 China | Adelaide Oval |
| Matchday 4 | 15 October 2024 | Japan 1-1 Socceroos | Saitama Stadium 2002 |
| Matchday 5 | 14 November 2024 | Socceroos 1-1 Saudi Arabia | AAMI Park |
| Matchday 6 | 19 November 2024 | Bahrain vs Socceroos | Bahrain National Stadium |
| Matchday 7 | 20 March 2025 | Socceroos vs Indonesia | TBC |
| Matchday 8 | 25 March 2025 | China vs Socceroos | TBC |
| Matchday 9 | 5 June 2025 | Socceroos vs Japan | TBC |
| Matchday 10 | 10 June 2025 | Saudi Arabia vs Socceroos | TBC |
Full 26-man Socceroos squad for World Cup qualifiers
| Position | Player | Club (Country) | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Maty Ryan | Roma (Italy) | 95 | 0 |
| Goalkeeper | Joe Gauci | Aston Villa (England) | 5 | 0 |
| Goalkeeper | Paul Izzo | Randers (Denmark) | 0 | 0 |
| Defender | Aziz Behich | Melbourne City | 76 | 2 |
| Defender | Jordy Bos | Westerlo (Belgium) | 18 | 1 |
| Defender | Cameron Burgess | Ipswich Town (England) | 12 | 0 |
| Defender | Milos Degenek | Red Star Belgrade (Serbia) | 45 | 1 |
| Defender | Jason Geria | Melbourne Victory | 4 | 0 |
| Defender | Rhyan Grant | Sydney FC | 21 | 1 |
| Defender | Hayden Matthews | Sydney FC | 0 | 0 |
| Defender | Lewis Miller | Hibernian (Scotland) | 9 | 1 |
| Defender | Kye Rowles | Hearts (Scotland) | 24 | 1 |
| Defender | Harry Souttar | Sheffield United (England) | 35 | 11 |
| Midfielder | Max Balard | NAC Breda (Netherlands) | 0 | 0 |
| Midfielder | Anthony Caceres | Sydney FC | 1 | 0 |
| Midfielder | Ajdin Hrustic | Salernitana (Italy) | 30 | 3 |
| Midfielder | Jackson Irvine | St Pauli (Germany) | 75 | 11 |
| Midfielder | Riley McGree | Middlesbrough (England) | 28 | 1 |
| Midfielder | Aiden O'Neill | Standard Liege (Belgium) | 16 | 0 |
| Midfielder | Patrick Yazbek | Nashville SC (USA) | 2 | 0 |
| Forward | Brandon Borrello | Western Sydney Wanderers | 12 | 2 |
| Forward | Martin Boyle | Hibernian (Scotland) | 30 | 9 |
| Forward | Mitch Duke | Machida Zelvia (Japan) | 45 | 12 |
| Forward | Craig Goodwin | Al Wehda (Saudi Arabia) | 29 | 6 |
| Forward | Nishan Velupillay | Melbourne Victory | 3 | 1 |
| Forward | Kusini Yengi | Portsmouth (England) | 10 | 4 |
