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Jackson Irvine scores Australia’s first goal during their match against China in Hangzhou.

One last push, and the Socceroos can book their spot at the 2026 World Cup

The equation is simple for Australia after their 2-0 victory in China: win their next match and they’ll seal qualification for next year’s tournament.

  • Vince Rugari

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Irvine

Socceroos player ratings: Irvine, Velupillay star but issues remain

Australia may now be in the driver’s seat, but the hard work is still to come. Here’s a look at how they performed in their World Cup qualifier against China in Hangzhou.

  • Paul Zalunardo
Nishan Velupillay.

World Cup qualifiers 2025 as it happened: Socceroos cruise to vital 2-0 win over China

Australia’s direct qualification hopes for next year’s World Cup will now come down to June’s clashes with Japan and Saudi Arabia after an important victory in Hangzhou on Tuesday night.

  • Vince Rugari
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 20: Nishan Velupillay celebrates a goal during the round three FIFA 2026 World Cup AFC Asian Qualifier match between Australia Socceroos and Indonesia at Allianz Stadium on March 20, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

It’s early days, but Socceroos believe they can become ‘unstoppable’ under Popovic

Tony Popovic’s Socceroos are clearly a work in progress, as their first 15 minutes against Indonesia showed. But there is clear progress being made.

  • Vince Rugari
Socceroos on fire.

Socceroos one step closer to 2026 World Cup after 5-1 win against Indonesia

Tony Popovic’s Socceroos walked away with a solid victory against Indonesia at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night.

  • Billie Eder
Indonesian football composite pic

The Barcelona legend, the billionaire politician and the Indonesian plot to usurp the Socceroos

The appointment of Patrick Kluivert as Indonesia’s national team coach is the latest sign that Australia’s northern neighbours are finally getting serious about their national sport.

  • Vince Rugari
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Contenders for the Socceroos squad.

The selection calls that will make or break the Socceroos’ World Cup hopes

Australia’s squad for their crucial World Cup qualifiers against Indonesia and China will be named on Friday. With so many injuries to deal with, expect the unexpected from coach Tony Popovic.

  • Vince Rugari
Spain’s High Court said on Thursday it had found former soccer federation boss Luis Rubiales guilty of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso without her consent, but acquitted him of coercion.

Former Spanish soccer boss guilty of sexual assault over World Cup kiss

Spain’s High Court has found Luis Rubiales guilty of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso without her consent, but acquitted him of charges of coercion.

  • Emma Pinedo
Sam Kerr

Kerr’s right, she’s been treated differently – and that puts the Matildas in the dock too

Football Australia has built the women’s game around Sam Kerr. That means her UK trial - however it ends - will have significant implications for the Matildas brand.

  • Tracey Holmes
FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup. Their stadium plans are mind-blowing

Futuristic designs released by the Saudis for 15 host venues are eye-catching to say the least, and some border on the absurd in terms of ambition and scale.

  • Samuel Lowen

Original URL: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/topic/fifa-world-cup-5x5