Socceroos set massive World Cup target

The Socceroos are safely through to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Saudi Arabia 2-1 in Jeddah overnight.

Tony Popovic’s side merely needed to avoid a disastrous five-goal defeat to qualify for a sixth straight World Cup finals and seventh overall.

They did just that despite an early blip.

Saudi Arabia took the lead inside 20 minutes through Abdulrahman Alobud before goals either side of half-time from Connor Metcalfe (first Socceroos goal) and Mitch Duke settled the nerves.

Popovic, who took the reins in September last year, insists it’s time for the Socceroos to now become bigger and better.

“It’s very satisfying right now. I’m sure it will sink in as the days go by,” Popovic told Socceroos media post-match.

“It’s been a very intense period since I’ve joined and I’ve loved it so far.

“We’ve done the first part by qualifying automatically. Now the next part is to be bigger and better for the World Cup.

“I’m proud of all the staff and the players.”

Hailing Popovic's work since arriving in 2024, former Socceroo Craig Foster said the real work starts now.

"It’s not easy to take over during a campaign when there’s uncertainty and fans have some angst," he said on SEN's Whateley. "He got the job done. It’s a rare thing for us.

"Six consecutive World Cups and we’re used to doing it the hard way. This gives Popovic 12 months to develop the team and the style of football.

"Tony got the job done almost perfectly. The next question is how he develops the team.

"You must be able to play in different ways. He needs to find a way and prove in the Worlds Cup that we can be more proactive against the teams we need to beat to get through the round.

"Quarter final is the objective for the first time ever for the Socceroos. This is another beautiful day in the history of the game."

Australian captain Maty Ryan made his 100th international appearance - becoming just the third Socceroo to do - and was overwhelmed with emotion and pride.

“It would be nice if I could work out how to freeze time,” Ryan added.

“The journey that we went on to get here, I’m just so proud of everyone.

“The effort of not only the boys on the pitch, but the boys that unfortunately aren’t part of this squad that have been along the journey.

"The staff, the background staff, Vinnie the chef, Dom the kitman, Josh the kitman, media personnel, everyone that has been part of the journey - a big thank you for all their efforts, their expertise and their skills to get us where we are.”

Ryan even saved a late penalty for good measure.

“We’re going to enjoy tonight and direct qualification. Come tomorrow or maybe in a week or so the prep starts for the next goal we set ourselves,” Ryan continued.

“The attitude of the boys, the boss and the standards he sets since the came in. Also Arnie (Graham Arnold), he began this campaign. We had a lot of success with him also.

“I pay tribute to everyone and thank them for their efforts because without that, this moment wouldn’t be possible.”

The Socceroos finished second in Group C, tallying 19 points from their 10 third-round qualifying matches. Ahead of them was Japan on 23 points.

Preparations for the tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico next June will commence in the coming weeks.