The Socceroos have almost certainly secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, barring a mathematical anomaly. While Japan dominated Australia for most of Thursday night's match, Socceroos defender Aziz Behich struck in the 90th minute to deliver a 1-0 win and send the almost 60,000-strong crowd at Perth Stadium into a frenzy.

A last-minute goal from Aziz Behich has given Australia a 1-0 win over Japan in Perth and put the Socceroos within touching distance of the 2026 World Cup. Already-qualified Japan fielded

Australia's Milos Degenek said he has been impressing on younger teammates how tough it is to get to the World Cup through intercontinental playoffs as they prepare for their last two matches in the third round of Asian qualifying.