Australia
2nd in FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC2023 Schedule
After matchday six of Asian World Cup qualifiers, our writers answer the burning questions, provide analysis and break down performances.
Australia have held on to the second automatic qualifying place in their 2026 World Cup group, drawing 2-2 in Bahrain after a dramatic finale.
The Socceroos know there is one key hurdle they must overcome to beat Bahrain and kickstart their World Cup qualification campaign: their own finishing.
The Socceroos were reeling after Graham Arnold's surprise resignation, but Tony Popovic has steadied the ship.
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.
Australian clubs have been invited to join the Oceania Football Confederation's new OFC Professional League, almost two decades after the nation left the Pacific's regional body to switch to Asia.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecogou says he has 'no doubt' that fellow Australian coach Kevin Muscat can succeed as a manager in Europe, after Muscat's continued success in Asia with Shanghai Port.
Socceroos young gun Nestory Irankunda has been dropped while Sydney FC right-back Rhyan Grant has been handed an unexpected international career lifeline in Tony Popovic's squad for two crunch World Cup qualifiers.
A total absence of minutes for Roma has caused Maty Ryan to lose his Socceroos spot to Joe Gauci. Who else is on Tony Popovic's chopping block?
WCQ - AFC Standings
# | TEAM | GP | GD | PTS |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Japan | 6 | +20 | 16 |
2 | Australia | 6 | +1 | 7 |
3 | Indonesia | 6 | -3 | 6 |
4 | Saudi Arabia | 6 | -3 | 6 |
5 | Bahrain | 6 | -5 | 6 |
6 | China | 6 | -10 | 6 |
Team Leaders
Top Scorers
# | Player | Goals | M | A |
---|---|---|---|---|
Kusini Yengi | 6 | 8 | 0 | |
Craig Goodwin | 3 | 8 | 3 | |
Harry Souttar | 2 | 11 | 0 |
Top Assists
# | Player | Assists | M | G |
---|---|---|---|---|
Craig Goodwin | 3 | 8 | 3 | |
Jordan Bos | 2 | 9 | 0 | |
Martin Boyle | 2 | 3 | 1 |