Saudi Arabia Falls 1-2 to Australia in WCQ 2026

Saudi Arabia’s national team failed to maintain their lead, falling 1-2 to Australia in the final Group C match of the fourth round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

The hosts initially took the lead in the 19th minute — Salem Al Dawsari sent a low cross that was easily finished by Abdulrahman Al Obud, who was unmarked in front of goal.

Mitchell Duke played a key role for Australia, assisting C Metcalfe’s equalizer in the 42nd minute before scoring the winning goal with a header from Martin Boyle’s cross early in the second half.

Drama unfolded when Ali Majrashi was shown a straight red card for allegedly fouling Boyle as the last defender — but the decision was overturned after the referee reviewed the incident on VAR.