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The Socceroos have copped a major blow for their decisive World Cup qualifiers with star midfielder Jackson Irvine set to miss with a foot injury.
Irvine, who has been critical in leading Australia to a strong position in the race for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, first suffered a stress reaction in his left foot a few weeks ago.
But his German club, FC St. Pauli, have announced Irvine requires surgery – taking place in London on Tuesday (UK time) – and the subsequent rehab will rule him out for several months.
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It’s therefore almost certain Irvine will miss the last two matches of this stage of the Socceroos’ World Cup qualifying campaign, in Perth against Japan on June 5, and in Jeddah against Saudi Arabia on June 11 (early morning AEST).
Irvine scored in the Socceroos’ last qualifier, a win away to China, which left them second in their group. They are three points and +9 goal difference clear of third-placed Saudi Arabia.
The Socceroos are favoured to qualify directly for the World Cup, which they haven’t done since 2014, and a win over Japan (who have nothing to play for) would virtually guarantee qualification.
Alternatively a win over Saudi Arabia, or draws against both nations, would be enough.
At worst the Socceroos have earned a spot in the next round of World Cup qualifying, which involves a three-team group all playing each other once at a single venue. The winner of the group would advance to the World Cup, with the runner-up competing for a spot in the inter-confederation playoffs.
