<p>The Socceroos are on the brink of qualifying for a sixth straight FIFA World Cup!</p> <p>A last-gasp wonder strike from Aziz Behich scored the unlikeliest of goals against Japan last week in Perth, delivering a dramatic 1-0 victory for Australia - their first win over the Samurai Blue since 2009.</p> <p>It means the Socceroos arrive in Jeddah in second place in Group C on 16 points and are in the box-seat to qualify directly, and not have to go through the Intercontinental playoffs, for the first time since 2013.&nbsp;</p> <p>Australia is only one win clear of Saudi Arabia, who are third and on 13 points, yet the Green Falcons trail Australia by a significant margin on ‘Goal Difference’. Therefore, pending a total unmitigated disaster, (A 5-0 defeat to be exact), Australia is just 90 minutes away from officially punching their ticket to the event in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.</p> <p>Can they do it?&nbsp;</p> <p>For the latest analysis, team news, odds, and more ahead of this must-win World Cup Qualifier, check out our Australia vs Japan prediction and preview below.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <h2>Socceroos squad to face Saudi Arabia</h2> <p>Daniel Arzani, Aziz Behich, Brandon Borrello, Kasey Bos, Martin Boyle, Cameron Burgess, Anthony Caceres, Alessandro Circati, Milos Degenek, Mitchell Duke, Joe Gauci, Jason Geria, Paul Izzo, Riley McGree, Connor Metcalfe, Lewis Miller, Paul Okon-Engstler, Aiden O’Neill, Kye Rowles, Mat Ryan, Mohamed Toure, Adam Taggart, Ryan Teague, Marco Tilio, Kai Trewin, Patrick Yazbek</p> <h2>Saudi Arabia vs Australia Predicted Lineups</h2> <h3>Saudi Arabia</h3> <p>Al-Aquidi, Tambakti, Kadesh, Boushal, Majrashi, Kanno, Aijohani, Juwayr, Yahya, Al-Burakian, Al-Dawsari</p> <h3>Australia</h3> <p>Ryan, Circati, Rowles, Degenek, Miller, O’Neill, Teague, Behich, Duke, Metcalfe, Borrello</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Saudi Arabia vs Australia Preview</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Saudi Arabia vs Australia Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <h3>Head-to-Head (H2H)</h3> <p>As mentioned, Australia just needs to avoid a 5-0 defeat to miss direct qualification for the 2024 FIFA World Cup.&nbsp;</p> <p>History is on their side, with two of the past three meetings between the two sides both ending goalless.</p> <p>The Saudis head into the game against Australia with some form. They are unbeaten in their past three games and have enjoyed back-to-back wins against Jordan and Bahrain in their past two qualifiers to keep them in the hunt for qualification.</p> <p>Australia has been solid defensively since Tony Popovic has taken charge of the national team, only conceding six goals in the past seven qualifiers. The Aussies are unbeaten in the past six games, while the Saudis have only lost once in their last six games and boast four clean sheets over that stretch.&nbsp;</p> <p>Knowing the task required to qualify, expect the Saudis to go all-out attack, which could force a tactical shift for Popovic, and get him to stack the defence.</p> <p>Australia will have to be at their defensive best, and turn this one into a tight, low-scoring scrap in hostile conditions. Maybe they’ll even dabble in some of the Saudi’s dirty time-wasting tricks.</p> <p>We can definitely see this one being cagey and niggly, but when the final whistle blows, we think we’ll see the points split, and the Aussies book their tickets to the States once and for all.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/world-cup/fifa-world-cup-qualifiers-asia/saudi-arabia-v-australia-9284441">0-0 draw</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal</h3> <p>We’ve picked a nil-all draw here, Mainly because we’re backing Australia all the way. But, in home conditions with a home crowd baying for blood, and a team knowing exactly what they need to do - despite the tall order, The Green Falcons will be on and be heavily relying on their superstars to perform.&nbsp;</p> <p>Their 33-year-old striker Saleem Al-Dawsari has so often been the one they look to in these situations when they need a goal. He’s only scored two goals in the 11 qualifying matches, but big games call for big players to step in.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/world-cup/fifa-world-cup-qualifiers-asia/saudi-arabia-v-australia-9284441">Saleem Al-Dawsari</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Correct Score</h3> <p>We can definitely see the Saudis getting one past the Aussie defence - purely because of how much they will attack, attack, and apply pressure. But we only think they’ll get the one. Anything under five is enough for Australia to qualify!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/world-cup/fifa-world-cup-qualifiers-asia/saudi-arabia-v-australia-9284441">Saudi Arabia 1- Australia 0</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Where to watch Saudi Arabia vs Australia</h2> <p>Australians will be able to watch Australia vs Japan live and free on Network 10. Coverage will be broadcast on Channel 10 and simulcast on 10 Play and Paramount Plus.</p> <h2>Saudi Arabia vs Australia Match Details</h2> <p><strong>Kick-off: </strong>4:15 AM, AEST</p> <p><strong>Date: </strong>Wednesday, June 11th, 2025</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah</p>