MELBOURNE, Australia — Australia and Saudi Arabia drew 0-0 in Asian qualifying for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday. While there was late drama there was little quality on display.

Saudi Arabia had a goal disallowed in added time as they ground out a scoreless draw against Australia on Thursday, a result that did neither side any favours in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

The Socceroos face their most important World Cup qualifier when they host Saudi Arabia in Melbourne. A win could put them in the box seat to qualify for the tournament automatically.

Australia and Saudi Arabia play a crucial World Cup qualifier in Melbourne on Thursday while Japan and South Korea can take a huge step towards North America in 2026 in the third round of Asian qualifying.

Tony Popovic’s side will rue their missed chances against Saudi Arabia in their crucial World Cup qualifier at Melbourne’s AAMI Park.

The third round of FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC qualifiers continues to provide nail-biting clashes with Saudi Arabia holding Australia to a goalless draw on return of its coach Herve Renard.

FIFA should postpone next month’s vote to confirm Saudi Arabia as the host of the 2034 men’s World Cup until the Gulf state introduces major reforms to protect human rights, according to a report from nine global campaign groups,

Australia and Saudi Arabia meet in Melbourne on Thursday night in a crucial World Cup qualification match. Both sides are level on five points in their group, with Australia holding a slightly better goal differential. ABC Sport will be live blogging the World Cup qualifier between Australia and Saudi Arabia from 7pm AEDT.

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have urged FIFA to delay confirming Saudi Arabia as the 2034 men’s World Cup host until the kingdom addresses pressing human rights concerns,