Determined the first 6 Asian teams to qualify for the 2026 World Cup

With Saudi Arabia unable to make a surprise in the final match of the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Australia became the 6th Asian team to be present at the world football festival.

Australia (left) defeated Saudi Arabia - Photo: REUTERS

Saudi Arabia entered the final match of Group C, Phase 3 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with an extremely difficult task: they had to beat Australia by 5 goals to surpass their opponents in the rankings.

However, the home advantage gave the Arab team a lot of strength. In the 19th minute, Saudi Arabia scored the opening goal.

From outside the penalty area, Al Dawsari skillfully handled the ball and then made a difficult cross, causing goalkeeper Ryan to push the ball right to Al Oboud's feet and he easily scored.

Saudi Arabia continued to attack in the following minutes. They really created some significant chances, many times giving the Australian team a heart attack.

But what had to happen happened. Pushing up the attacking formation left many gaps in Saudi Arabia's defense.

In the 42nd minute, Australia equalized after a perfect counter-attack. From the left wing, Mitch Duke broke through and passed the ball delicately to Metcalfe, who moved cleverly and fired a decisive shot past the opposing goalkeeper.

Saudi Arabia's momentum was shattered after this goal. In the 48th minute, Duke scored again when he headed into the Saudi Arabia net from Martin Boyle's cross, putting Australia up 2-1.

The match was almost over early from this moment. Saudi Arabia could not create any more notable chances against Australia's solid defense in the final period of the match.

In the end, Australia beat Saudi Arabia to become the 6th Asian team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Previously, Japan (Group C), Iran (Group A), Uzbekistan (Group A), South Korea, Jordan (Group B) won the first 5 tickets to the 2026 World Cup by topping their groups in the third qualifying round of the Asian region.

At the 2026 World Cup, Asia is allocated 8 and a half tickets. The first 6 official tickets will be awarded to the group winners and runners-up in the 3rd qualifying round, and the remaining 2 official tickets will be fought in the 4th qualifying round.

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HUY DANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/xac-dinh-du-6-doi-chau-a-dau-tien-gianh-ve-du-world-cup-2026-20250610225805233.htm