Socceroos all but book World Cup 2026 berth after last-gasp Aziz Behich goal sinks Japan.
Synopsis: In a stunning 1-0 victory, Aziz Behich’s last-gasp goal against Japan in Perth has virtually secured Australia’s place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Overcoming a dominant Japanese side, Tony Popovic’s tactical discipline and a moment of brilliance from Behich ended a 16-year winless streak, bringing the Socceroos within touching distance of their sixth consecutive World Cup appearance.
1. Japan’s Rotated Squad Dominates Possession
Japan, having already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, fielded a rotated squad under manager Hajime Moriyasu, yet still controlled the game with ease. The Samurai Blue held 69% possession and completed 336 passes in Australia’s half, dwarfing the Socceroos’ 234 in their own. Yuito Suzuki’s weaving run and curling shot in the 28th minute narrowly missed, while Yu Hirakawa’s long-range effort tested Mathew Ryan. Despite their dominance, Japan’s inability to convert chances kept Australia in the contest.
2. Popovic’s Tactical Discipline Holds Firm
Tony Popovic, stepping in as Socceroos coach after a turbulent start to the campaign, prioritized defensive solidity. With Jackson Irvine sidelined, he paired Aiden O’Neil and Ryan Teague in midfield to shield a compact back five. Wing-backs Aziz Behich and Lewis Miller adopted cautious roles, while Alessandro Circati anchored the central defense. This pragmatic setup frustrated Japan’s slick passing, allowing Australia to weather the storm and stay level until the final moments.
3. Set Pieces Offer Australia’s Best Chances
Australia’s attack struggled to break through Japan’s defense on the ground, with starters Brandon Borrello, Martin Boyle, and Connor Metcalfe unable to create clear opportunities. However, set pieces provided glimmers of hope. A towering throw-in from Lewis Miller led to a looping header by Cameron Burgess, and a brief lapse in Japan’s defense nearly opened the door. These moments kept the Socceroos competitive, setting the stage for their late heroics.
4. Behich’s Dramatic Winner Steals the Show
As the match ticked into stoppage time, a draw seemed inevitable, with thoughts turning to a tense final qualifier against Saudi Arabia. Then, substitute Riley McGree, fresh from injury, sparked a rare attack. His clever turn and cut-back from the edge of the box found Aziz Behich, who unleashed a stunning right-footed shot—his weaker foot—into the top corner. His first goal for Australia in 13 years sent Perth Stadium into a frenzy and all but secured World Cup qualification.
5. A Historic Win Secures World Cup Berth
Aziz Behich’s strike in the 1-0 victory over Japan has all but ensured the Socceroos’ qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ending a 16-year drought against Japan, this smash-and-grab win under Tony Popovic’s leadership transformed Australia’s campaign from a low point in September 2024—marked by a loss to Bahrain and a draw with Indonesia—into a near-certain sixth consecutive World Cup appearance. With a superior goal difference, only an improbable five-goal loss to Saudi Arabia could deny them, cementing Behich’s goal as a moment of Australian football history.
