Australia qualify for 2026 World Cup

Saudi Arabia’s Feras Albrikan, center, is challenged by Australia’s Milos Degenek, right, during the World Cup 2026 Group C qualifying soccer match. (AP)

PARIS: Australia booked their place at the 2026 World Cup in North America with a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Tuesday.
The Socceroos will play in a sixth consecutive World Cup finals after finishing second in Group C in the third round of Asian qualifiers, as the Saudis head into the fourth round.