FIFA WC 2026: Australia Qualifiers Table

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Post on Nov 14, 2024

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The Road to 2026: Australia's FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - A Look at the Table

The countdown is on! The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner, and the Socceroos are gearing up for another crack at global glory. But before they can even dream of facing the best teams in the world, they need to navigate the grueling qualifying process. Let's take a look at where things stand right now in the Australian qualifying table and break down what needs to happen for the Aussies to punch their ticket to North America.

Asia's Complex Qualifying Format

Unlike the straightforward European qualifying system, Asia's path to the World Cup is a little more convoluted. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifying process is split into two main stages:

1. The Second Round: This first stage is a group stage with 40 teams vying for 8 spots in the third round. Australia was drawn into Group B, alongside China, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Tajikistan, and the Philippines.

2. The Third Round: This is where things get spicy! The 8 teams from the Second Round join the top 12 teams from Asia (based on FIFA ranking) in the third round. These 20 teams are split into five groups of four, with the top two from each group automatically qualifying for the World Cup. The two best third-placed teams then face off in a playoff to determine the final Asian spot.

Australia's Qualifying Journey So Far

The Socceroos have been pretty consistent in their qualification campaign so far. They topped their group in the Second Round with a near-perfect record. But the real test starts in the Third Round, which kicks off in November 2023. The Aussies are drawn alongside Japan, Saudi Arabia, and a yet-to-be-determined opponent from the Second Round.

Here's what the table looks like for the Third Round, though remember, this is subject to change!

Group A (Qualifying teams in bold)

• Japan
• Saudi Arabia
• Australia
• TBD

Group B

• Iran
• South Korea
• UAE
• Iraq

Group C

• Qatar
• Uzbekistan
• Bahrain
• Thailand

Group D

• China
• Oman
• Vietnam
• Lebanon

Group E

• Syria
• Jordan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Philippines

Key Challenges and Opportunities

So, how do Australia stack up against the other teams in their group? Japan and Saudi Arabia are both tough opponents who have proven themselves on the international stage. But the Socceroos have had some good wins against both in recent years. The key is to be consistent and avoid any major slip-ups.

The Socceroos will need to capitalize on their home games and be prepared for some tricky away matches. With a strong squad featuring players like Mathew Leckie, Aaron Mooy, and Harry Souttar, the team has the potential to cause some major upsets.

The Road to 2026 is a Long One

Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup is going to be a real battle, but the Socceroos are up for the challenge. They've got the talent, the experience, and the fighting spirit to make it to North America. Let's hope they can make us all proud!