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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Martin Pegan

Socceroos pitted against Japan and Saudi Arabia in World Cup qualification

Socceroos World Cup Japan Saudi Arabia Australia Graham Arnold
The Socceroos celebrate after scoring against Palestine in the second round of 2026 World Cup qualifiers
Australia will face Japan and Saudi Arabia in the third round of Fifa World Cup 2026 qualifiers after the draw was held in Kuala Lumpur.
 Photograph: Will Russell/Getty Images

The Socceroos face a tantalising rematch with Japan, the side they lost to both home and away at the same stage of 2022 qualification, as they look to seal a berth at a sixth consecutive World Cup. Graham Arnold’s side were also grouped with Saudi Arabia (ranked No 56 in the world) in a tough Group C.

Bahrain (81), China PR (88) and Indonesia (134) complete Australia’s opponents for the third round of 2026 World Cup qualifying following the draw held in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday. Eighteen Asian nations were placed in three groups of six for the next phase, with the top two set to automatically qualify for the showpiece event to be held in United States, Canada and Mexico.

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