Australia and Saudi Arabia play a crucial World Cup qualifier in Melbourne on Thursday while Japan and South Korea can take a huge step towards North America in 2026 in the third round of Asian qualif

The top two teams in Group C secure direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup, while third and fourth place go into the next round of qualifying. It only magnifies the importance of Thursday night’s crunch clash with the Saudis at AAMI Park, then the away match against Bahrain four days later in Riffa.

The third round of FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC qualifiers continues to provide nail-biting clashes with Saudi Arabia holding Australia to a goalless draw on return of its coach Herve Renard.

Australia and Saudi Arabia have drawn 0-0 in Asian qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in Melbourne. While there was late drama there was little quality on display on Thursday.

It was honours even between Iraq and Jordan after they were forced to settle for a goalless draw in their World Cup Group B qualifier on Thursday. The stalemate left things unchanged for Jordan and Iraq in Group B as they stayed in second and third,

Wonderkid Nestroy Irankunda has been dropped by Tony Popovic ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.The 18-year-old, who is currently playing for German giants Bayern Munich,

Saudi Arabia had a goal disallowed in added time as they ground out a scoreless draw against Australia on Thursday, a result that did neither side any favours in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.