Australia

Australia

2nd in FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC
How Tony Popovic guided the Socceroos to the 2026 World Cup How Tony Popovic guided the Socceroos to the 2026 World Cup

When the latest round of qualification began badly, Australia turned to Tony Popovic. Here's the inside story of how he turned things around and helped the Socceroos book a berth at the 2026 World Cup.

Socceroo departs Sydney FC after contract impasse Socceroo departs Sydney FC after contract impasse

Socceroos midfielder Anthony Cáceres is departing for "continental football" after splitting with his long-time A-League club Sydney FC.

Collection Collection

Another offseason, another crossroads for the troubled A-League Another offseason, another crossroads for the troubled A-League

With the men's and women's A-League seasons completed, once again questions are being raised about the future of football in Australia.

Socceroos using 'world-class' MLS to prepare for World Cup Socceroos using 'world-class' MLS to prepare for World Cup

A trio of Socceroos who call MLS home are confident the league's rising standards will bolster their hopes of being part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

World Cup qualifying: Is this Asia's strongest contingent ever? World Cup qualifying: Is this Asia's strongest contingent ever?

Are Ayase Ueda and Japan are poised to take the 2026 World Cup by storm? ESPN tackles that, and Asia's other big talking points from the latest round of qualifiers.

Socceroos qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup with little angst Socceroos qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup with little angst

For only the second time in history, the Socceroos have made the World Cup without the need for a playoff. It mightn't have been pretty, but Tony Popovic and Co. deserve tremendous credit.

World Cup 2026: Australia qualify with win over Saudi Arabia World Cup 2026: Australia qualify with win over Saudi Arabia

Australia qualified for its sixth straight World Cup on Tuesday with a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia.

Socceroos seal World Cup berth with Saudi win Socceroos seal World Cup berth with Saudi win

The Socceroos will head to a sixth consecutive World Cup after beating Saudi Arabia 2-1 in their final group game.

Saudi Arabia not expecting 1% miracle but have nothing to lose against Socceroos Saudi Arabia not expecting 1% miracle but have nothing to lose against Socceroos

Saudi Arabia are aware no one is expecting them to pull off a miracle against Australia. That doesn't mean they won't try.

Riley McGree relishing Socceroos minutes after 'injury hell' Riley McGree relishing Socceroos minutes after 'injury hell'

Riley McGree's crucial assist has put Australia in pole position to claim a World Cup berth against Saudi Arabia. The 26-year-old sat down with ESPN to discuss what has been a tumultuous 12 months.

WCQ - AFC Table

# TEAM GP GD PTS
1 Japan 10 +27 23
2 Australia 10 +9 19
3 Saudi Arabia 10 -1 13
4 Indonesia 10 -11 12
5 China 10 -13 9
6 Bahrain 10 -11 6
Full Table

Team Leaders

Top Scorers

# Player Goals M A
Mitchell Duke 3 13 1
Lewis Miller 2 10 1
Martin Boyle 2 7 3

Top Assists

# Player Assists M G
Martin Boyle 3 7 2
Connor Metcalf.. 2 9 1
Mitchell Duke 1 13 3