Oman today_ The Australian national football team missed the chance to reach the second seeding for the 2026 FIFA World Cup during the November international window. The team first lost 1-0 to Venezuela in Canada on November 15, and a few days later suffered a 3-0 defeat against Colombia in the United States.
These two losses caused Australia to drop 10 FIFA ranking points, leaving them with 1,574.01 points in 26th place globally, while Ecuador, with 1,591.73 points, secured 23rd place and the second seeding. Had Australia won both matches, they could have added 20 to 25 points and overtaken Ecuador for the second-seed position.
The results highlight Australia’s gap with top-tier international football, while other Asian teams such as Iran, Japan, and South Korea have secured spots in the second seeding.