Socceroos closer to 2026 FIFA World Cup with win over Indonesia

Australia’s Socceroos have taken a huge step towards direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after cruising to a 5-1 victory over Indonesia at Sydney on Thursday night.

With just three matches remaining in this stage of Asian qualifying, the Socceroos are now in outright second position, firmly in control of their fate regardless of other results this round.

Next up, Tony Popovic’s men travel to face China on Tuesday night. A victory there would place Australia in prime position, especially with group leaders Japan set to host Saudi Arabia the same evening—meaning a Japanese win would further boost Australia’s qualifying hopes.

In June, Australia will host Japan before closing out qualifying away against Saudi Arabia, a match potentially shaping up as a crucial winner-takes-all clash.

Despite the comfortable final scoreline, things didn’t start smoothly for the Socceroos. Indonesia, cheered on by a passionate crowd that made it feel almost like an away fixture for Australia, could easily have taken an early 2-0 lead after squandering several golden opportunities—including a penalty that struck the post.

Instead, it was the Socceroos who turned the match around, scoring two quick-fire goals against the run of play. Martin Boyle opened the scoring with a confident penalty, before Nishan Velupillay made it 2-0 just moments later, slotting home neatly in a one-on-one situation.

Jackson Irvine then added a third goal in the 34th minute, slamming home after the ball rebounded in a crowded goalmouth.

Lewis Miller made it 4-0 with a header on the hour mark, though Indonesia gave their supporters something to cheer about with a late consolation goal through Ole Romenji.

But Australia had the final say, as Irvine added his second goal of the night late on, providing an additional boost to their crucial goal difference.

Heading into this match, the Socceroos were one of only two teams in their group with a positive goal differential, which could be vital in securing one of the top-two automatic qualifying spots for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Finishing third or fourth would see Australia progress to the next qualifying stage—a fourth-round scenario involving two groups of three teams, with two nations qualifying directly and two advancing into playoffs.

Finishing fifth or sixth would mean immediate elimination.

The Socceroos are currently marked at $501 to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup with top sports bookmakers.

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