Australia v Saudi Arabia: World Cup 2026 qualifier – live

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Australia 1-0 Saudi Arabia Jackson Irvine's first-half goal was enough to give Australia a narrow victory over Saudi Arabia in their World Cup 2026 qualifier in Sydney on Thursday. The Socceroos took the lead in the 30th minute when Irvine pounced on a loose ball in the Saudi box and fired home from close range. Saudi Arabia had a great chance to level matters just before half-time, but Salem Al-Dawsari's penalty was saved by Australia goalkeeper Mat Ryan. The visitors continued to press for an equaliser in the second half, but they were unable to find a way past a resolute Australian defence. The win takes Australia top of Group B with three points, while Saudi Arabia remain on zero points after two games.

Match summary

The match started at a frantic pace, with both teams looking to take the lead early on. Australia had the first chance of the game in the 10th minute, when Mat Leckie's cross found Irvine at the back post, but the midfielder's header went wide. Saudi Arabia responded with a chance of their own in the 15th minute, but Abdullah Al-Hamdan's shot from the edge of the box was saved by Ryan. The game continued to be played at a high tempo, with both teams creating chances but unable to find the finishing touch. Australia finally broke the deadlock in the 30th minute when Irvine pounced on a loose ball in the Saudi box and fired home from close range. Saudi Arabia had a great chance to level matters just before half-time, but Al-Dawsari's penalty was saved by Ryan. The visitors continued to press for an equaliser in the second half, but they were unable to find a way past a resolute Australian defence. The win takes Australia top of Group B with three points, while Saudi Arabia remain on zero points after two games.