MELBOURNE, Australia — Australia and Saudi Arabia drew 0-0 in Asian qualifying for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday. While there was late drama there was little quality on display.

Saudi Arabia had a goal disallowed in added time as they ground out a scoreless draw against Australia on Thursday, a result that did neither side any favours in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Australia and Saudi Arabia meet in Melbourne on Thursday night in a crucial World Cup qualification match. Both sides are level on five points in their group, with Australia holding a slightly better goal differential. ABC Sport will be live blogging the World Cup qualifier between Australia and Saudi Arabia from 7pm AEDT.

Australia and Saudi Arabia play a crucial World Cup qualifier in Melbourne on Thursday while Japan and South Korea can take a huge step towards North America in 2026 in the third round of Asian qualif

Australia will hope the much-travelled Herve Renard will not wield his old magic on his return to the Saudi Arabia dugout when the teams clash in a crunch World Cup qualifier at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Thursday.

Prediction for the World Championship qualifier between Australia vs Saudi Arabia, which will take place on November 14th. Who will turn out to be stronger? Check the teams' conditions! Several betting options are available.

Costly missed chances could come back to haunt the Socceroos, but Saudi Arabia felt equally aggrieved after they were denied an injury-time winner in a dramatic scoreless draw in Melbourne.