Socceroos Face Crucial World Cup Qualifier Against Saudi Arabia in Melbourne

The Socceroos are gearing up for a pivotal World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia at Melbourne‘s AAMI Park on Thursday, November 14. This match is critical in Australia‘s bid to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup, with both teams currently level on five points in Group C of the Asian qualifiers.

The Socceroos, under new coach Tony Popovic, have shown signs of improvement after a tumultuous start to the qualification campaign. Following the departure of Graham Arnold, Popovic led the team to a win over China and a credible draw against Japan, putting them back in contention for automatic qualification.

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, has appointed Herve Renard as their new manager, marking his return since the 2022 World Cup. Renard is known for his energetic and frenetic style, which could pose a significant challenge for the Socceroos. The Saudi team is also looking to capitalize on the ‘new manager bounce’ after sacking Roberto Mancini.

The match is set to kick off at 8:10 p.m. local time in Melbourne, with live coverage available on Channel 10 and streaming options on Paramount+.

Australia’s lineup includes Joe Gauci in goal, with Mitch Duke leading the attack. The absence of Craig Goodwin due to suspension opens up opportunities for other players like Martin Boyle or Nishan Velupillay to start on the wing.

Saudi Arabia’s predicted lineup features Abdulelah Al-Malki, Salem Al-Dawsari, and Firas Al-Buraikan, who are expected to play key roles in the attack. Manager Herve Renard may also consider starting Stefan Al-Shehri or Ayman Ahmed on the wing.

The stakes are high, with the top two teams in Group C securing direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Japan currently leads the group with 10 points, while Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain are in a tight race for the second automatic qualifying spot.