Saudi Arabia vs Australia Tips, Prediction & Live Stream - Socceroos to secure spot at 2026 World Cup

Australia will secure their place next year's World Cup if they avoid defeat by five or more goals, such is their superior goal difference over Saudi Arabia coming into the final group game. The Socceroos have put together a three-game winning streak, highlighted by last week's 1-0 triumph over Japan, with Aziz Behich scoring the winner in the dying stages. Again, it wasn't an impressive performance by any stretch of the imagination - in fact, the Socceroos were outplayed and barely had possession against a second-string Japanese outfit that had nothing to play for. However, Tony Popovic keeps getting the job done and at the end of the day, that's all that counts.

Saudi Arabia will need to throw the kitchen sink at the Socceroos from the get-go if they are to do the unthinkable, which could open this game up. Recent meetings between these teams have been low-scoring, but I'm keen to go against the trend given the circumstances and value on Over 2.5 goals, while the Socceroos are worth a small stake as $3.30 outsiders.

Australia are unbeaten in seven of the last eight meetings between the teams, but they couldn't be separated in the reverse fixture in Melbourne earlier in the group stage. Saudi Arabia had a 94th minute goal ruled out by VAR as the two teams settled for a 0-0 stalemate.

Saudi Arabia have paid the price for a slow start to the qualifying campaign, which saw them win just one of their opening six games, while they also went a period of four consecutive games without finding the back of the net.

Roberto Mancini was replaced by Herve Renard as manager and the Saudis have showcased some improvement, going unbeaten in their last three qualifiers - including victories over China and Bahrain.

Last week's 2-0 triumph over Bahrain gave the Green Falcons a fighting chance, but as mentioned, they need a miracle to win this game by five goals or more - especially when you consider the Saudis have scored just six goals in nine qualifying games so far.

In reality, Saudi Arabia will almost certainly have to go through another qualifying cycle in order to book their place at next year's World Cup.

Key attackers Salem Al-Dawsari and Firas Al-Buraikan will be the primary targets for Saudi Arabia in their mission for goals, while the defence that kept a clean sheet vs Bahrain last week will likely remain.

The Socceroos had a nightmare start to this qualifying campaign, losing at home against Bahrain and drawing 0-0 with Indonesia, leading to Graham Arnold stepping down and Tony Popovic taking charge.

Honestly, there's barely been any improvement, but the Socceroos have a knack of grinding out games and getting the job done.

Popovic remains unbeaten as Socceroos manager and has overseen a three-match winning streak over China, Indonesia and Japan that has Australia on the brink of qualification.

Despite being outplayed for the entire contest, the Socceroos managed to earn their first win over Japan since 2009, with Riley McGree setting up Aziz Behich for a late winner.

McGree added some spark when he came off the bench against Japan, as did winger Daniel Arzani, with the pair a chance to start here.