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: Indonesia hold Australia to draw
JUMP TO: World Cup qualifying schedule/results | Most recent Socceroos squad
Socceroos AFC 3rd round World Cup 2026 qualifying standings
Group C
| Pos. | Team | Played | Win | Draw | Loss | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Saudi Arabia | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| 2. | Japan | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 3 |
| 3. | Bahrain | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 4. | Indonesia | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 5.. | Australia | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 1 |
| 6. | China | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 9 | -8 | 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 vs 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 24-man squad for World Cup qualifiers vs Bahrain and Indonesia
| Position | Name | Club | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Maty Ryan | AS Roma (Italy) | 93 | 0 |
| Goalkeeper | Joe Gauci | Aston Villa (England) | 4 | 0 |
| Goalkeeper | Paul Izzo | Randers (Denmark) | 0 | 0 |
| Defender | Aziz Behich | Melbourne City | 71 | 2 |
| Defender | Harry Souttar | Sheffield United (England) | 30 | 11 |
| Defender | Kye Rowles | Hearts (Scotland) | 21 | 1 |
| Defender | Cameron Burgess | Ipswich Town (England) | 9 | 0 |
| Defender | Lewis Miller | Hibernian (Scotland) | 6 | 0 |
| Defender | Thomas Deng | Albirex Niigata (Japan) | 4 | 0 |
| Defender | Alessandro Circati | Parma (Italy) | 2 | 0 |
| Midfielder | Jackson Irvine | St. Pauli (Germany) | 70 | 11 |
| Midfielder | Connor Metcalfe | St. Pauli (Germany) | 23 | 0 |
| Midfielder | Keanu Baccus | Mansfield Town (England) | 19 | 1 |
| Midfielder | Aiden O'Neill | Standard Liege (Belgium) | 13 | 0 |
| Midfielder | Cam Devlin | Hearts (Scotland) | 4 | 0 |
| Midfielder | Josh Nisbet | Ross County (Scotland) | 2 | 0 |
| Forward | Mitch Duke | Machida Zelvia | 40 | 12 |
| Forward | Awer Mabil | Grasshoppers (Switzerland) | 33 | 9 |
| Forward | Martin Boyle | Hibernian (Scotland) | 29 | 9 |
| Forward | Craig Goodwin | Al-Wehda (Saudi Arabia) | 25 | 6 |
| Forward | Adam Taggart | Perth Glory | 19 | 7 |
| Forward | Kusini Yengi | Portsmouth (England) | 8 | 4 |
| Forward | Sam Silvera | Portsmouth (England) | 6 | 0 |
| Forward | Nestory Irankunda | Bayern Munich (Germany) | 2 | 1 |
