A last-minute goal from Aziz Behich gave Australia a 1-0 win over Japan in Perth on Thursday and put the Socceroos within touching distance of the 2026 World Cup. With just the top two from Asia Group C certain of a place in the tournament,

Australia moved to the brink of the World Cup after beating already qualified Japan 1-0 in Perth on Thursday thanks to Aziz Behich's 90th-minute winner.After beating Japan for the first time since 2009,

The Socceroos have defeated Japan in a nail-biting finish, almost certainly securing their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, barring a mathematical anomaly. While Japan dominated Australia for most of the match, the national team won against the Samurai Blue 1-0 after striker Aziz Behich scored the winning goal for the Socceroos in the 90th minute.