Australia Revealed Opponents in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Draw

Australia‘s national football team, known as the Socceroos, has discovered their opponents in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers following a draw ceremony in Kuala Lumpur. The draw placed Australia in Group C alongside Japan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, China, and Indonesia for the upcoming round of qualifying matches.

Under the guidance of head coach Graham Arnold, the Socceroos are gearing up to compete in the third round of Asian qualifiers as they aim to secure a spot in the prestigious FIFA World Cup 2026. The draw outcome sets the stage for a challenging yet exciting series of home-and-away fixtures for the Australian team.

Ranked as the second-highest team in Group C, Australia will need to navigate through fixtures scheduled from September to June next year. The goal for the Socceroos is to finish within the top two positions in the group to secure direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup finals, to be jointly hosted by Canada, the USA, and Mexico.

Having dominated the second qualifying round with a flawless record of six wins out of six matches, including a recent 5-0 victory over Palestine in Perth, the Socceroos are entering the next phase of qualifiers with confidence and determination. The team currently holds the 23rd position in the FIFA rankings.

Japan, standing at 17th in the FIFA rankings, poses as a formidable opponent for Australia in Group C. The expanded 48-team format of the 2026 World Cup adds to the stakes of qualification, making each match crucial for the Socceroos as they aim to extend their impressive World Cup streak.