World Cup Qualification Thread for 2026 - Socceroos/Asia

[SR1968]

Degenek the rock. Rowles on the outer. Souttar needs to fight while Burgess has been excellent but for tonight. Geria shaky but versatile and favoured.

Degenek is an excellent defender, I was watching the highlights of the Japan game in Perth, and when one of the Japanese players missed one of their chances, it was because Degenek narrowed the angle giving the Japanese striker less goal to aim at.

 

[Decentric]

Degenek is an excellent defender, I was watching the highlights of the Japan game in Perth, and when one of the Japanese players missed one of their chances, it was because Degenek narrowed the angle giving the Japanese striker less goal to aim out.

He was out of favour.

Deg played with Red Star Belgrade - who have had huge UEFA pedigree. Then he was in Saudi. Not sure what he has done in recent times? Is he in the USA?

Deg has done well in these last two games. He was at the base of the formation, 3-4-3, 5-4-1, 5-2-3 , keeping defensive shape cohesive for most of the time.

 

[JS96]

I think Popa used Toure, and Tilio as a direct replacement for Chapman, to give them both experience at his level in a serious WCQ.

Popa had used Arzani in the last 10 mins of the Japan game.

Popa needed Boyle, Duke and Chapman to do all the donkey work, defending from the front, closing down space in BPO.

Who on earth is Chapman? You mean Borrello?

 

[Decentric]

Yeah, I know what elucidate means, it just read a bit strangely in your sentence.

Regarding keyboard warriors, with todays technology allowing anyone to air their opinion relatively broadly, I think that a national sports team and coaches just need to ignore any vituperative comments.

I think it is sad when a national team feels under siege from excessive criticism. It has been going on for years for the Socceroos.

Supposedly, Arnie used it as a motivating factor.

 

[JS96]

He was out of favour.

Deg played with Red Star Belgrade - who have had huge UEFA pedigree. Then he was in Saudi. Not sure what he has done in recent times? Is he in the USA?

Deg has done well in these last two games. He was at the base of the formation, 3-4-3, 5-4-1, 5-2-3 , keeping defensive shape cohesive for most of the time.

I think he's at a Serbian club now. Hasn't played too much but brought a cool head to the national.

 

[Decentric]

Who on earth is Chapman? You mean Borrello?

Metcalfe!

My bad!

 

[verrelli]

against the toughest Asian opposition we’ve ever played in WCQs

Stoked to see us qualifying for WC2026 but I'm wondering how you came to the conclusion that this was the toughest Asian opposition we've ever played in WCQs. I think that is pretty questionable, on the basis that:

* There were 6 automatic qualification spots up for grabs in the 3rd round of qualifying, as opposed to 4 spots in previous cycles, which undeniably means that the bar has been lowered and the overall strength of teams in this phase was diluted compared to previous cycles.
* It is a widely held view that the Saudi Arabia team is nowhere near as strong as what they were in the previous couple of cycles. They got 13 points from 10 games versus 23 points from 10 games four years ago and 19 points from 10 games eight years ago.
* We played Japan's B team in one of the fixtures (and were still considerably outplayed, and I think almost everyone would agree that we were lucky to get any points out of that game, let alone a win).
* We had a draw and a loss a very weak Bahrain team, as evidenced by them failing to record a win in any of their other 8 matches.

As a quick aside, I'd say that we were very fortunate in the final moments of the home game against Saudi Arabia that their late goal which would have been decisive was fairly contentiously ruled out due to another player in Gauci's line of sight.

 

[ftbl-newb]

After 10 games looking at pure results, we did really good anchored with an exceptionally strong 4-win streak at the death 8/10 for me. We achieved direct qualification for the WC as a fan I hope the team and staff takes that confidence and we push up another level lets play a little with the shackles removed in the next 12 months.

Poppas defensive setup got the results in the end.

Besides the opening game loss to Bahrain we never lost another game. I'd argue all the other results post Bahrain actually fair to excellent for us (though all the fair results from my fan perspective at the time were obviously disappointing) Where we are at the moment away draws to Middle Easter teams for me are good these are usually hostile tricky banana skin games.

Australia 0–1 Bahrain | exceptionally Poor
Indonesia 0–0 Australia | fair result
Australia 3–1 China | excellent result
Japan 1–1 Australia | very good result
Australia 0–0 Saudi Arabia | fair result
Bahrain 2–2 Australia | fair result
Australia 5–1 Indonesia | Exceptional
China 0–2 Australia | Very good
Australia 1–0 Japan | Exceptional (result)
Saudi Arabia 1–2 Australia | Very good

 

[JS96]

Metcalfe!

My bad!

New nickname created!

 

[Decentric]

75% passing accuracy is nowhere near good enough and exactly why we played so nervously.

Did enough defensively though. I deeply dislike Popa's system and selections but you can't argue with the results. We are hard to beat.

Who would you select instead, and drop from the current team?

Why?

Which formation/game plan would you use instead of Popa's, with the inherent strengths of the players we have?

Why?

The Poparoos have 18 points from 8 games - no losses.

In excessive heat, in an away fixture, 75% passing accuracy is low against Saudi, but it has been much higher in some other games we've drawn and lost.

 

[Decentric]

After 10 games looking at pure results, we did really good anchored with an exceptionally strong 4-win streak at the death 8/10 for me. We achieved direct qualification for the WC as a fan I hope the team and staff takes that confidence and we push up another level and play a little with the shackles removed in the next 12 months.

Besides the opening game loss to Bahrain we never lost another game. I'd argue all the other results post Bahrain actually fair to excellent for us (though all the fair results from my fan perspective at the time were obviously disappointing) Where we are at the moment away draws to Middle Easter teams for me are good these are usually hostile tricky banana skin games.

Australia 0–1 Bahrain | exceptionally Poor
Indonesia 0–0 Australia | fair result
Australia 3–1 China | excellent result
Japan 1–1 Australia | very good result
Australia 0–0 Saudi Arabia | fair result
Bahrain 2–2 Australia | fair result
Australia 5–1 Indonesia | Exceptional
China 0–2 Australia | Very good
Australia 1–0 Japan | Exceptional (result)
Saudi Arabia 1–2 Australia | Very good

Welcome to the forum, FN.

 

[NicCarBel]

Stoked to see us qualifying for WC2026 but I'm wondering how you came to the conclusion that this was the toughest Asian opposition we've ever played in WCQs. I think that is pretty questionable, on the basis that:

* There were 6 automatic qualification spots up for grabs in the 3rd round of qualifying, as opposed to 4 spots in previous cycles, which undeniably means that the bar has been lowered and the overall strength of teams in this phase was diluted compared to previous cycles.

Just on this point - I don't think that's entirely correct. While the whole third round across the AFC was diluted by this, the 'strength' of our group was still the same/similar.

2022 rankings of our group:
Japan (24)
Australia (35)
Saudi Arabia (61)
China (71)
Oman (79)
Vietnam (92)

Compared to 2026 (in which 4 of the nations remained exactly the same)
Japan (17)
Australia (23)
Saudi Arabia (56)
Bahrain (81)
China (88)
Indonesia (134)

Only Indonesia fall outside of the same rankings range from 2022 qualifying, and the top 3 seeds in our 2026 group (including ourselves) were ranked stronger at the time of the draw than in 2022, and also had the 4 highest seeds in each pot - arguably making it on paper the toughest of the 3 groups.

 

[jas88]

Accidently looked up the score when I was watching replay and we were down 1-0. Haha two really good finishes.

So good to see Metcalfe score. He has had a really good camp.

 

[jas88]

Degenek the rock. Rowles on the outer. Souttar needs to fight while Burgess has been excellent but for tonight. Geria shaky but versatile and favoured.

Our defense is rock solid for next 10 years at least, lots of experience as well as younger guys coming through pushing them.

 

[verrelli]

Just on this point - I don't think that's entirely correct. While the whole third round across the AFC was diluted by this, the 'strength' of our group was still the same/similar.

2022 rankings of our group:
Japan (24)
Australia (35)
Saudi Arabia (61)
China (71)
Oman (79)
Vietnam (92)

Compared to 2026 (in which 4 of the nations remained exactly the same)
Japan (17)
Australia (23)
Saudi Arabia (56)
Bahrain (81)
China (88)
Indonesia (134)

Only Indonesia fall outside of the same rankings range from 2022 qualifying, and the top 3 seeds in our 2026 group (including ourselves) were ranked stronger at the time of the draw than in 2022, and also had the 4 highest seeds in each pot - arguably making it on paper the toughest of the 3 groups.

I accept the point you're making, though I would say that FIFA rankings are a bit of a joke and often don't seem to reconcile with reality. Looking at who finished 3rd and 4th in each group as a measure of the average strength of the group and the ease at which it is possible to qualify in the top 2, I'm not so sure that our group is the strongest. They're pretty even. I'd probably roughly rank them UAE, Saudi, Iraq, Qatar, Indonesia, Oman.

 

[NicCarBel]

I accept the point you're making, though I would say that FIFA rankings are a bit of a joke and often don't seem to reconcile with reality. Looking at who finished 3rd and 4th in each group as a measure of the average strength of the group and the ease at which it is possible to qualify in the top 2, I'm not so sure that our group is the strongest. They're pretty even. I'd probably roughly rank them UAE, Saudi, Iraq, Qatar, Indonesia, Oman.

Yes, the FIFA rankings are a bit of a joke at times. Have had a look at the 12 months previous ELO rankings (when the third round draw was made) and have the following:

Group A

1. Iran (20)
2. Qatar (55)
3. Uzbekistan (47)
4. UAE (81)
5. Krygyrzstan (151)
6. North Korea (108)

Group B

1. South Korea (36)
2. Iraq (49)
3. Jordan (62)
4. Oman (74)
5. Palestine (102)
6. Kuwait (126)

Group C

1. Japan (16)
2. Australia (28)
3. Saudi Arabia (61)
4. Bahrain (95)
5. China (105)
6. Indonesia (131)

As for 2022:
Group A

1. Iran (24)
2. South Korea (33)
3. UAE (87)
4. Iraq (49)
5. Syria (86)
6. Lebanon (117)

Group B

1. Japan (29)
2. Australia (39)
3. Saudi Arabia (64)
4. China (90)
5. Oman (79)
6. Vietnam (99)

 

[LFC]

To go from 1 point after 2 games, to direct qualification and being undefeated over the next 8, playing the two best teams twice, although Indo are currently a decent unit too, is pretty impressive! Moreover, it has been the toughest qualification group we've ever experienced in Asia.

I have no doubt you think we should get an overseas coach instead of Popa.

I should have mentioned Duke in my first sentence for thats who I was typing about.
Took many many many games to get a NT assist https://www.fotmob.com/en-GB/players/245633/mitchell-duke
Though we know he run and runs, thats what he's meant to do considering we arn't a sound offensive team glad he delivered Finally.

Happy as we limped over the finish line, impressive granted is over looking the play but for dogged stacked defense for thats our game far more than good ball control/retention and distribution as mentioned by others I agree with.
Also travelling and preparing is another challenge we all recognise But its also part on the framework since 06 !
Nothing new there.
Fact is we are winning just throughout the whole quali phase hence people having their peace due to be completely behind our fellas despite the hard slog game in game out.
Other posters see alot differently to you, allow other members opinion and respect it instead of countering like your calling people's opinons out.

NCB as for the Grp Rankings couple of posts - we'd be going through the same if/buts/maybe/hope we win no matter the Grp were in imo.
We are not that convincing against many barring the 5-1 home drubbing against Indo.
Mind you as they say Defense wins games.
verrelli post makes perfect sense.

 

[SR1968]

I'm not sure whether I should post this here, or in another section for the forum, but I was thinking about all the international football confederations and how strong they are, and how difficult it is to qualify for the World Cup for the nations in those respective confederations.

This is just my opinion, and I'm sure I'll cop some criticism, so here's my list in order from the most powerful confederation to the weakest.

1. CONMEBOL (South America): I know there's only ten nations, but this is the most brutal and tough federation, because even the weakest South American team can give the most powerful South American team a run for its money eg. In a previous qualification campaign, I recall Peru who was running dead last, held the top team Brazil to a draw in a qualifying match.

2.UEFA (Europe): Although UEFA has some of the best football nations in the world eg. Spain, France, Germany,Italy, England etc, there's obviously a massive gap between say Spain and The Faroe Islands or San Marino.

3, CAF: (Africa): Very tough confederation with some quality football nations like Nigeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Algeria.

4. AFC: (Asia): The only real powerful teams in Asia are Japan, South Korea, Iran, Australia, the rest make up the numbers although there are a few competitive Middle Eastern nations.

5. CONCACAF: (North and Central Americal, plus the Carribean): Aside from the USA and Mexico, and to a lesser degree Canada, the rest of this confederation basically make up the numbers, although Costa Rica have qualified for a few World Cups.

6. OFC (Oceania), Aside from New Zealand, the rest of Oceania mainly consists of small Rugby playing nations that have little interest in football.

 

[Barca4life]

The football hasn't been flashy or a great watch but fair play to Popa after a rocky start he's come in and done a great job in getting us to qualify for the World Cup.

Tougher test lie ahead especially what we do with the ball which is still lacking but a tremendous achievement nevertheless to qualify directly.

 

[JS96]

I'm not sure whether I should post this here, or in another section for the forum, but I was thinking about all the international football confederations and how strong they are, and how difficult it is to qualify for the World Cup for the nations in those respective confederations.

This is just my opinion, and I'm sure I'll cop some criticism, so here's my list in order from the most powerful confederation to the weakest.

1. CONMEBOL (South America): I know there's only ten nations, but this is the most brutal and tough federation, because even the weakest South American team can give the most powerful South American team a run for its money eg. In a previous qualification campaign, I recall Peru who was running dead last, held the top team Brazil to a draw in a qualifying match.

2.UEFA (Europe): Although UEFA has some of the best football nations in the world eg. Spain, France, Germany,Italy, England etc, there's obviously a massive gap between say Spain and The Faroe Islands or San Marino.

3, CAF: (Africa): Very tough confederation with some quality football nations like Nigeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Algeria.

4. AFC: (Asia): The only real powerful teams in Asia are Japan, South Korea, Iran, Australia, the rest make up the numbers although there are a few competitive Middle Eastern nations.

5. CONCACAF: (North and Central Americal, plus the Carribean): Aside from the USA and Mexico, and to a lesser degree Canada, the rest of this confederation basically make up the numbers, although Costa Rica have qualified for a few World Cups.

6. OFC (Oceania), Aside from New Zealand, the rest of Oceania mainly consists of small Rugby playing nations that have little interest in football.

I agree with this. CAF is brutal because it's winner takes all. One slip and you're done in the small groups. I wish they had something like UEFA of old.

South America must get boring. Altitude is a challenge is some destinations but it's much more run of the mill same opponents and places. Chile are so down right now so the big 2 aside it's generational.