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Aziz Behich, the hero for the Socceroos.

Perfectly imperfect: Unlikely hero takes Socceroos to brink of another World Cup

Thursday night’s clash with Japan grimly tested the patience of all those who watched it. Then it was richly rewarded with Aziz Behich’s 90th-minute goal.

  • Vince Rugari

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ziz Behich strikes at the death to put the Socceroos in front and put Australia on the verge of a World Cup berth.

Socceroos v Japan as it happened: Australia are almost off to the World Cup after heroic victory

A win for the Socceroos tonight will all but seal their spot at the 2026 World Cup, but they face a formidable opponent in Japan. Follow all the action.

  • Jonathan Drennan and Vince Rugari
The host of the opening game in 2026, Mexico City, also hosted the final in 1986, when Diego Maradona and Argentina beat West Germany 3-2.

What you need to know about travel to the FIFA World Cup

The US, Canada and Mexico will host the 2026 edition of the most-watched sporting event on the planet – the FIFA World Cup. But will cup travel be simple?

  • Julietta Jameson
Australia’s head coach Tony Popovic, left reacts with Australia’s Jackson Irvine after winning a World Cup 2026 group C qualifier match against China held at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium in Hangzhou, in eastern China’s Zhejiang province, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (AP Photo)

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
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
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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
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

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