Only own-goals as Japan and Australia draw in qualifying match

Australia’s goalkeeper Joe Gauci jumps up in the air to make a save during the World Cup 2026 Group C qualifying soccer match between Australia and Japan at Saitama Stadium in Saitama, yesterday

Japan 1, Australia 1

Two own-goals saw the points shared yesterday as Japan and Australia drew 1-1 in Asian World Cup qualifying.

Shogo Taniguchi accidentally put Australia ahead just before the hour at Saitama Stadium, but Australia’s Cameron Burgess returned the favor soon after to leave Japan top of Group C with 10 points from four games, five clear of the Socceroos in second.

Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, third and fourth, meet today [Macau time].

“I’m very proud of that performance – the calmness and composure that we showed in defense,” said Australia midfielder Jackson Irvine. “It’s a top foundation for us to move forward.”

Japan, which has appeared at every World Cup since 1998, attacked from the beginning but struggled to create clear chances despite the majority of possession. Takefusa Kubo had the best chance, shooting into the side of the net from close range while Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma had a shot deflected wide.

It was more of the same in the second half but, just after former Liverpool attacker Takumi Minamino headed wide, Australia stunned the hosts by taking the lead after 58 minutes with a goal that came out of nothing.

Lewis Miller crossed into the area from the right and Taniguchi tried to clear but only succeeded in diverting the ball past the diving Zion Suzuki and into the net to the delight of the small number of visiting fans.

It was the first time that Japan had conceded in 10 qualifiers in the second and third rounds but the team got the equalizer thanks to another own-goal after 76 minutes. Keito Nakamura dribbled down the left and his low cross hit Burgess and went into the net from close range.

Japan pressed in an attempt to get the winning goal and maintain its perfect record in qualification but had to settle for the point.

The top two from each of the three six-team groups in the third round qualify automatically for the World Cup while the third and fourth-place teams will advance to the next stage to compete for two more spots.

There was another top two meeting in Group B as South Korea beat Iraq 3-2 in Yongin to move three points clear.

Oh Se-hun gave the hosts the lead four minutes before the break only for Aymen Hussein to level for Iraq six minutes after with a spectacular bicycle kick. Oh Hyeong-gyu and Lee Jae-sung both struck late to secure the win and leave South Korea on course for an 11th successive World Cup appearance. MDT/AP