Australia can still qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, but only thanks to their rivals being just as inconsistent
Halfway through this slate of Asian World Cup qualifiers, it is remarkable that Australia remain well placed in their efforts to punch a ticket to North America 2026. Yet as they prepare to face Bahrain, their standing is fraught and a relative position of strength can turn to one of weakness with just a single adverse result.
Last week’s 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia means the Socceroos have now played every other side in Group C, and they will take the field in Riffa during the wee hours of Wednesday morning sitting in the second of two automatic qualification slots. They do so despite winning just one of their opening five games and having lost their coach to a shock resignation following the opening window. Their six points from five games would only be enough for fifth place in Group A or fourth in Group B.
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