SYDNEY - Australia almost guaranteed qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by beating Japan on Thursday night.

Veteran defender Aziz Behich scored the only goal in the 90th minute to steer the Socceroos to a 1-0 victory over Japan at Perth Stadium in Western Australia.

ALSO READ: Ivankovic accepts blame for China's World Cup qualifying exit

The result means that Australia has a six-point and +10 goal difference advantage over Saudi Arabia in the race for second place in Group C in the third round of Asian qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

In order to secure second place and qualification for a sixth consecutive World Cup, the Socceroos need only to avoid a heavy defeat against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Tuesday, or for Saudi Arabia to fail to beat Bahrain later on Thursday.

READ MORE: Japan become first nation to qualify for World Cup as Kamada, Kubo strike

Behich's goal, his third for Australia and his first since 2012, came against the run of play after Japan had dominated possession throughout the match.

The chance was created by midfielder Riley McGree, who made a run inside Japan's defensive box before sending his cross between five teammates.

READ MORE: Iran seal World Cup qualification as Taremi double earns draw

Behich, making his 80th appearance for the national team, was the quickest to react and fired a shot from his weaker right foot into the far-right corner, causing the capacity crowd of 57,226 to erupt.

It marked the Socceroos' first win against Japan since 2009 and ended Japan's 21-game unbeaten run.