Emotional Alessandro Circati in tears following superb return for the Socceroos

Socceroos defender Alessandro Circati “couldn’t be any happier” as Australia moves to the brink of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.

Alessandro Circati’s triumphant Socceroos return was tinged with emotion, with the emerging star having feared he would be a lesser player following his knee reconstruction.

In his first game for the Socceroos since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in September last year during a training session with his Italian club Parma, defender Circati showed maturity, poise and class beyond his 21 years with a superb display in Australia’s 1-0 win over Japan in Perth on Thursday night.

The victory – courtesy of a 90th-minute goal from left-back Aziz Behich – has put the Socceroos on the brink of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification with one match of their Group C AFC third-round qualifying campaign remaining, a clash with Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Wednesday morning (AEST).

The Saudis – 2-0 winners over Bahrain on Friday morning (AEST) – must score at least five goals in the game to have any hope of denying the Socceroos guaranteed World Cup qualification.

Alessandro Circati (23) celebrates the Socceroos’ 1-0 win over Japan with teammates Milos Degenek (left) and Jason Geria. Picture: Colin Murty / AFP

With the top two from each of the AFC’s three third-round qualifying groups to secure World Cup spots, Japan has already secured qualification from Group C, with the Samurai Blue – who have 20 points from nine matches – unable to be displaced from first place.

The Socceroos are in second spot in Group C with 16 points from nine games and with a goal difference of plus eight, having scored 14 goals and conceded six.

Saudi Arabia remains within striking distance of Australia with 13 points but has a goal difference of zero, having scored eight goals and conceded eight in its nine games.

Should the Saudis beat the Socceroos in Jeddah they will draw level on points with Australia in the battle for second spot.

However, the scoreline in the match would then determine which of the two nations would join Japan as automatic Group C qualifiers.

If the Saudis prevent the Socceroos from scoring and find the back of the net at least five times, they would qualify ahead of Australia thanks to a superior goal difference.

ALL ANGLES: Bend it like Behich™️ ↩️

Enjoy Aziz’s epic match winner against Japan from EVERY angle 🚀#Socceroospic.twitter.com/nU4o3TFv1b

— Subway Socceroos (@Socceroos) June 6, 2025

However, if the Socceroos can score, Saudi Arabia will need to score at least six goals to stop Australia qualifying.

“We’re not exactly qualified, but the chances as 99 per cent,” Circati said.

“It’s like a dream come true .., I couldn’t be any happier.”

Circati shed tears of joy, relief and gratitude as he reflected on “seven hard months” of rehabilitation.

“When you have an injury like this, it’s a bit of an unknown,” he said.

“You don't know how you return back. Some people feel amazing. Luckily I do. I feel better than before. Some people come back not the same.”

Circati, who grew up in Perth after moving to the West Australian capital from Italy as a one-year-old, paid tribute to his family and friends, many of whom were in the crowd at Optus Stadium on Thursday night.

“They all know … what they’ve helped me do, and it’s all thanks to them as well,” a teary Circati said.