Saudi Arabia will host Australia in a high-stakes World Cup qualifier at the Al Inma Bank Stadium on June 10, with Group C’s second automatic qualification spot still hanging in the balance.
For Saudi Arabia, it’s do-or-die: they trail the Socceroos by three points and a hefty goal difference, meaning anything short of a win, and a big one, could see their hopes fade.
Memories of their historic 2022 win over Argentina still fuel belief, but this clash demands more than past glory. The Green Falcons will need to be flawless and ruthless, especially with Australia only needing to avoid a five-goal defeat to confirm their sixth straight World Cup appearance.
For the Socceroos, the mission is simple: finish the job. Fresh off a gritty 1-0 win over Japan, the Aussies are carrying momentum and confidence into this final group fixture. Marco Tilio and Brandon Borrello have echoed the team's focused mindset. Head coach Graham Arnold has instilled a True Blue mentality, where hard work and self-belief override any statistical comfort.
Here's everything you need to know about Saudi Arabia vs. Socceroos, including TV channel and streaming options for the World Cup Qualifying match.
Where to watch Saudi Arabia vs. Socceroos: Live stream, TV channel
- TV channel: -
- Live stream: Paramount+
This match is not available for live TV broadcast. Streaming options are available on Paramount+, which offers a FREE TRIAL for new subscribers.
Saudi Arabia vs. Socceroos World Cup Qualifying match start time
Saudi Arabia and Socceroos clash will kick off at 9:15 p.m. local time on Tuesday, June 10, from the King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| Date | Start time | |
| Australian Eastern Daylight Time | Wed, Jun. 11 | 4:15 a.m. |
| Australian Central Daylight Time | Wed, Jun. 11 | 3:45 a.m. |
| Australian Western Standard Time | Wed, Jun. 11 | 2:15 a.m. |
Saudi Arabia vs. Socceroos lineups, team news
Herve Renard’s men haven’t made life easy for themselves, winning just three of nine in Group C, but back-to-back clean sheets, including a 2-0 victory over Bahrain, have brought some momentum.
With qualification hanging by a thread and little room for error, Renard is expected to stick with the same core squad from their last outing. Key men like Salem Al-Dawsari and Firas Al-Buraikan will again shoulder attacking responsibility, while the defense that shut out Bahrain is likely to remain unchanged.
Saudi Arabia predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Al-Aqidi (GK) — Abdulhamid, Lajami, Al-Tambakti, Boushal — Yahya, Al-Ghamdi, N. Al-Dawsari — S. Al-Dawsari, Al-Buraikan, Al-Sahafi.
Injured: None
Suspended: None
For the Socceroos, the equation is far simpler: avoid a five-goal defeat, and they book their place at a sixth straight World Cup. Head coach Tony Popovic has welcomed back several names from injury, including centre-back Alessandro Circati, midfielder Connor Metcalfe, and winger Riley McGree.
Rising stars Kasey Bos and Paul Okon-Engstler have also earned their first senior call-ups, but Australia’s proven front three, Brandon Borrello, Mitch Duke, and Adam Taggart, remain the go-to options.
With confidence high after their 1-0 win over Japan, the Aussies will likely opt for a pragmatic setup, focusing on defensive solidity while aiming to frustrate a desperate Saudi side in front of a fired-up home crowd.
Australia predicted XI (3-4-2-1 right to left): Ryan (GK) — Geria, Burgess, Degenek — Miller, Teague, O'Neill, Behich — McGree, Boyle — Borrello.
Injured: None
Suspended: None
AFC World Cup Qualifying fixture schedule this week
All times in AEST
Tuesday, June 10
- Kyrgyzstan vs United Arab Emirates (11:45 p.m.)
- Uzbekistan vs Qatar (11:45 p.m.)
- South Korea vs Kuwait (9:00 p.m.)
- Japan vs Indonesia (8:35 p.m.)
- China vs Bahrain (9:00 p.m.)
Wednesday, June 11
- Iran vs Korea DPR (2:00 a.m.)
- Jordan vs Iraq (4:15 a.m.)
- Palestine vs Oman (4:15 a.m.)
- Saudi Arabia vs Australia (4:15 a.m.)