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Australia delivered a commanding performance with a 5-1 victory over Indonesia in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifier on Thursday. The match, held at the Sydney Football Stadium, helped Australia strengthen its position in Group C, now sitting comfortably in second place behind Japan.
Early Scare, Strong Response
Indonesia, under the guidance of coach Patrick Kluivert, started aggressively. In the opening minutes, captain Jay Idzes nearly gave Indonesia the lead, but Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan made a superb save. Soon after, Indonesia missed a golden opportunity when Kevin Diks struck the crossbar from the penalty spot.
Australia Opens the Floodgates
Taking advantage of Indonesia’s missed chances, Australia quickly took control. Martin Boyle opened the scoring with a penalty after a VAR review spotted a foul by Nathan Tjoe-A-On. Just two minutes later, Adam Taggart’s lofted pass set up Nishan Velupillay, who calmly chipped the ball over Indonesian goalkeeper Maarten Paes to double the lead.
Irvine Shines with a Brace
Jackson Irvine played a pivotal role for the Socceroos, scoring twice. His first goal came after a rebound in the 34th minute. Despite Indonesia’s continued efforts, Irvine capped off Australia’s dominant display with a header in the 90th minute, sealing the 5-1 triumph.
Lewis Miller and Craig Goodwin Add to the Tally
Lewis Miller scored Australia’s fourth goal with a low header from Craig Goodwin’s perfectly placed corner. Goodwin’s playmaking ability throughout the match proved instrumental for the Socceroos.
Indonesia’s Consolation Goal
Indonesia, supported by a large local crowd, fought hard and was finally rewarded when debutant Ole Romeny, who plays for Oxford United in England, scored a well-taken goal 12 minutes from time. However, it was too little too late as Australia finished the match strongly.
What This Win Means for Australia
With this victory, Australia now holds a four-point lead over Indonesia in the race for second place in Group C. While Saudi Arabia, China, and Bahrain could still close the gap, this result gives the Socceroos a much-needed boost in goal difference and confidence on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
