International Roundup: AFC

As the race for a place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 intensifies, Asian sides featuring Ligue 1 McDondald's-based players played pivotal roles during a dramatic night of qualifying action. While Jordan and Uzbekistan made history by securing maiden World Cup berths, attention in France turned to Japan and Australia—two sides with strong Ligue 1 McDonald's representation.

Late Behich winner puts Matt Ryan’s Australia on the brink

Australia edged closer to their sixth consecutive World Cup finals appearance after a tense 1-0 victory over already-qualified Japan in Perth. Ligue 1 veteran Matt Ryan, and current RC Lens keeper, was a composed presence in goal as the Socceroos claimed a vital three points that all but secured second place in Group C.

It was Aziz Behich who proved the hero. Deep into stoppage time, Behich swept home a cut-back from substitute Connor Metcalfe to spark wild celebrations in front of over 50,000 fans.

With a vastly superior goal difference to Saudi Arabia, Australia will qualify unless they lose by five or more goals in Jeddah next week—a highly unlikely scenario.

Minamino's Japan lose but progress secured

Japan, whose squad includes Monaco forward Takumi Minamino, and Reims pair Keito Nakamura and Junya Ito had already booked their place in North America ahead of this final away fixture. Head coach Hajime Moriyasu rotated heavily, handing out three international debuts, including to young talent Shunsuke Mito.

Elsewhere: Qatar stun Iran, Korea Republic confirm qualification

In Group A, Julen Lopetegui claimed his first win as Qatar coach with a 1-0 victory over 10-man Iran. The win secured Qatar a place in the next round, while Iran had already sealed qualification. Meanwhile, Korea Republic will make it 11 World Cup appearances in a row after a 2-0 win over Iraq in Basra.

Although Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) was left out of the starting XI, he came off the bench to lay on the assist for the opener. His creative spark remains central to Korea’s ambitions next summer.

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