So that’s how things are looking for the Socceroos after four games in this qualification stage. The first two matches were also the last two of the Graham Arnold era, with defeat to Bahrain and a goalless draw against Indonesia bringing his tenure to an end. Tony Popovic led Australia to a win over China and a creditable draw against Japan in the most recent window.

Remember, the top two in this group will qualify directly to the 2026 World Cup, while the scrap continues for those below them.

The upshot of all that is, while Japan streaks towards qualification, Australia is in a bit of a dogfight with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain for that second spot. And given those are the two sides the Socceroos play in this international break, you can understand the urgency of these games.

Not quite make or break, but hugely significant nonetheless.

No massive surprises here, but worth noting that Joe Gauci kept his spot with the gloves and Mitch Duke is in to lead the line.

No place for Max Balard or Kusini Yengi, who plenty of people are keen to see.

Saudi Arabia’s XI is below:

Good evening and welcome to Melbourne for the Socceroos’ critical World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia.

We’ve reached an inflection point in Australia’s bid for the 2026 World Cup, where are period of instability will either give way to a solid and promising new-look side under Tony Popovic, or a few more hurdles will put their dreams of qualification in real jeopardy.

This window, with games against Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, is huge for Popovic and Australia. We’ll tell you why in the lead up to kick off, but for now keep the blog handy as we count down to the action from AAMI Park.