The Socceroos resume their qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup when they meet Lebanon at Commbank Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and rolling coverage from 8pm (AEDT).
Lebanon, are 115th in the current FIFA rankings and are unlikely to pose a significant threat to the Socceroos, but have shown a capacity to frustrate more fancied opponents, including a friendly victory over Jordan late last year and creditable displays against Saudi Arabia and China at the recent Asian Cup.
If Graham Arnold’s men repeat some of the disjointed attacking displays of their Asian Cup campaign, they could be in for another difficult evening.
While Lebanon can’t be underestimated, the outcome of this game will hinge on how well the Socceroos’ chosen combination gels. Who will start at the problem right-back position, most recently occupied by Gethin Jones? Will it be youth or experience on the wings? Will it be tried-and-tested Mitch Duke or one of the in-form strikers Kusini Yengi or Adam Taggart up front?
This second round of AFC World Cup qualifiers are also qualifiers for the 2027 Asian Cup. Victory tonight will virtually assure qualification for the Socceroos, while another victory on Tuesday night in Canberra will clinch it.
Venue: Commbank Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 8pm (AEDT)
TV: 10 Bold
Streaming: 10Play, Paramount+
Odds: Australia $1.13, draw $8.50, Lebanon $19 – odds via PlayUp
NoMates
Roar Rookie
The better side lost.
Brendan
Roar Pro
LOL! I actually forgot about Rudan’s generosity. Hopefully his card wasn’t declined. Only the finest H2O from Warragamba, please.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Would have been $100 notes.
Grem
Roar Rookie
No
Grem
Roar Rookie
Just like Rudan - the drinks are on me. Tap water is OK?
Brendan
Roar Pro
Grem’s shouting the stadium drinks tonight. Cash or credit?
338
Roar Rookie
Safer than flares as long as you tuck the nose in...
Redcap
Roar Guru
FULL-TIME Thanks to everybody who joined the blog tonight. Watching the Socceroos these days is a nerve-jangling experience, but I'm not sure I want it any other way. International football's a shark tank. Have a great evening. Bye for now. Australia.........................2 Lebanon.........................0
338
Roar Rookie
Never bad to win. A bit casual in the second half for my liking. Midfield passing needs to tighten up. Liked the open game and having 2 up front looked more threatening. Nice finish at the end of the game with Lebanon putting us under some pressure.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Hey true blue! Well done, Australia. We’ll take the win. Thanks, David & the team.
Redcap
Roar Guru
FULL-TIME The Socceroos have won 2-0 to virtually assure they'll finish top of their second phase group and qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup. Lebanon were not far away from getting a goal or two there. That was not quite a comfortable victory. Australia.........................2 Lebanon.........................0
Redcap
Roar Guru
90+6’ Here's the Lebanon free kick. Darwich gets it past the wall and Ryan saves. Back into the box, Khoury gets his head to it and it just flashes wide. Australia.........................2 Lebanon.........................0
Redcap
Roar Guru
90+4’ It's hard not to like how Lebanon have played tonight. Plenty of aggression. They've caused problems and hit the post through Khoury, They've also now won a free kick on the edge of the box. Australia.........................2 Lebanon.........................0
Redcap
Roar Guru
90+3’ Khoury tries to get in between the centre-backs. Throw-in conceded by Burgess. Australia.........................2 Lebanon.........................0
Redcap
Roar Guru
90+2′ __ Haidar looks to put Shour through, but the pass is too heavy. Five minutes added on. __ Australia…………………….2 Lebanon…………………….0
Brendan
Roar Pro
It’s an old Ansett.
Redcap
Roar Guru
90’ Corner from Hrustic, Matar heads away. Back in for Duke. He knocks it down for Metcalfe, and Metcalfe's shot is straight at Matar. Australia.........................2 Lebanon.........................0
Grem
Roar Rookie
Or cricket!
Redcap
Roar Guru
89’ Hrustic probing. It comes to Irvine who shoots, and it's deflected wide for a corner. Australia.........................2 Lebanon.........................0
Redcap
Roar Guru
88’ Iredale finds space on the left, has a shot, and Matar saves comfortably. Australia.........................2 Lebanon.........................0