Group C action in the Third Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers continues in Melbourne on Thursday night with Australia playing host to Saudi Arabia. It’s a crucial battle between second and third in the group, and we have you covered with our match preview and best bet below. Good luck to everyone following along!
2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Australia vs Saudi Arabia
Thursday 8:10pm AEDT, AAMI Park
Australia enjoyed a successful start to life under new head coach Tony Popovic last international window, securing a two-goal win at home against China (3-1), before picking up an unlikely point on the road against Japan (1-1). Both were excellent results under tricky circumstances, and Popovic has now had a bit more time to help prepare his game plan for the next two World Cup qualifiers.
On the back of recent results, the Socceroos now sit second in Group C (see standings below) but remain in a tight battle with the likes of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain for second spot, which will ensure automatic qualification. Japan have raced away in first spot and have all but booked their ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
Saudi Arabia have had a similar path to this point as the Socceroos. They’ve severely underperformed their lofty expectations and now find themselves in a dog fight to finish in the top two, or at least the top four in Group C.
Recent results have not been pretty for the Green Falcons. They limped their way through the second round of qualification despite being by far the best nation in it. They lost to 64th ranked Jordan and drew with the 105thranked Tajikistan. In this round of qualification, the Green Falcons have also failed to find their best form, and most recently played out a 0-0 draw at home against Bahrain.
Match Prediction: The Socceroos are the 24th ranked nation in world football and will start as the clear favourites at home on Thursday night against the 59th ranked Saudi Arabia. This is their first meeting in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with their second clash to come in Saudi Arabia in June next year.
It’s hard to have a whole lot of faith in the Socceroos on the back of their results so far this campaign, although they’ve still outperformed their upcoming opponents, so it makes sense as to why they’re currently around the $2.00 quote. Add in home ground advantage as well fresh enthusiasm with a new coach/game plan, and the Aussies look to be a decent bet here.
Australia to Win
$2.00 (1.5 Units)
