The Socceroos' next stage of World Cup 2026 qualifying has begun.
After a flawless run in the second round, Australia have a much more challenging task in the third round.
They have been placed in Group C, which features Japan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, China and Indonesia.
A top-two finish in the group will secure them automatic qualification into the World Cup.
It hasn't got off to a positive start though, with Australia falling to Bahrain.
MORE: Socceroos defeat China in Tony Popovic's debut
JUMP TO: World Cup qualifying schedule/results
Socceroos AFC 3rd round World Cup 2026 qualifying standings
Group C
| Pos. | Team | Played | Win | Draw | Loss | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Japan | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 14 | 9 |
| 2. | Australia | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| 3. | Saudi Arabia | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -2 | 4 |
| 4. | Bahrain | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 7 | -4 | 4 |
| 5.. | Indonesia | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 6. | China | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 12 | -10 | 0 |
Qualification
- Two top teams from the group qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Third and fourth-placed teams proceed to the fourth round, where they compete against four other Asian nations for two 2026 FIFA World Cup spots
- One team will then proceed to the intercontinental play-off
Socceroos AFC third round World Cup 2026 qualifying schedule
The schedule and results for third round World Cup qualifying is as follows:
| Matchday 1 | 5 September 2024 | Socceroos 0-1 Bahrain | Robina Stadium |
| Matchday 2 | 10 September 2024 | Indonesia 0-0 Socceroos | Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium |
| Matchday 3 | 10 October 2024 | Socceroos 3-1 China | Adelaide Oval |
| Matchday 4 | 15 October 2024 | Japan vs Socceroos | Saitama Stadium 2002 |
| Matchday 5 | 14 November 2024 | Socceroos vs Saudi Arabia | AAMI Park |
| Matchday 6 | 19 November 2024 | Bahrain vs Socceroos | Bahrain National Stadium |
| Matchday 7 | 20 March 2025 | Socceroos vs Indonesia | TBC |
| Matchday 8 | 25 March 2025 | China vs Socceroos | TBC |
| Matchday 9 | 5 June 2025 | Socceroos vs Japan | TBC |
| Matchday 10 | 10 June 2025 | Saudi Arabia vs Socceroos | TBC |
Socceroos squad for World Cup qualifiers vs China and Japan
| Position | Player | Club | Caps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Joe Gauci | Aston Villa (England) | 5 |
| Goalkeeper | Paul Izzo | Randers (Denmark) | 0 |
| Goalkeeper | Mat Ryan | Roma (Italy) | 95 |
| Defender | Aziz Behich | Melbourne City | 74 |
| Defender | Harry Souttar | Sheffield United (England) | 33 |
| Defender | Kye Rowles | Hearts (Scotland) | 24 |
| Defender | Jordy Bos | Westerloo (Belgium) | 16 |
| Defender | Cameron Burgess | Ipswich Town (England) | 10 |
| Defender | Lewis Miller | Hibernian (Scotland) | 7 |
| Defender | Thomas Deng | Albirex Niigata (Japan) | 5 |
| Defender | Gianni Stensness | Viking (Norway) | 2 |
| Defender | Jason Geria | Melbourne Victory | 2 |
| Midfielder | Jackson Irvine | St. Pauli (Germany) | 73 |
| Midfielder | Luke Brattan | Macarthur FC | 0 |
| Midfielder | Ajdin Hrustic | Salernitana (Italy) | 28 |
| Midfielder | Riley McGree | Middlesbrough (England) | 26 |
| Midfielder | Patrick Yazbek | Nashville SC (USA) | 1 |
| Midfielder | Keanu Baccus | Mansfield Town (England) | 20 |
| Midfielder | Aiden O'Neill | Standard Liege (Belgium) | 15 |
| Forward | Mitch Duke | Machida Zelvia (Japan) | 43 |
| Forward | Craig Goodwin | Al-Wehda (Saudi Arabia) | 28 |
| Forward | Daniel Arzani | Melbourne Victory | 7 |
| Forward | Sam Silvera | Portsmouth (England) | 7 |
| Forward | Nestory Irankunda | Bayern Munich (Germany) | 5 |
| Forward | Apostolos Stamatelopoulos | Motherwell (Scotland) | 1 |
| Forward | Nishan Velupillay | Melbourne Victory | 1 |
