The Socceroos all but secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup as Aziz Behich's 90th-minute winner fired them to a 1-0 triumph over Samurai Blue.

Australia entered the match at Optus Stadium in Perth knowing a victory, coupled with Saudi Arabia failing to win in Bahrain a few hours later, would clinch its place at next year's tournament.

Despite the high stakes, it was was Japan that dominated the early proceedings, with Yu Hirakawa's effort from distance going close. 

Japan captain and Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada then saw his strike deflect behind for a corner as the visitors continued to turn the screw in search of the first goal. 

Things initially did not get much better for Australia after the break, as it toiled in attack and saw Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo curl just wide in another big chance for Japan.

However, just eight seconds from the end of the 90 minutes, substitute Riley McGree produced a brilliant turn on the edge of the Japan box before cutting the ball back for veteran full-back Behich, who fired into the far corner to seal a smash-and-grab victory.

The result pulls Australia within four points of already-qualified Japan at the top of Group C in the third round of the AFC qualification process.

Tony Popovic's team can now only be denied an automatic qualification place if Saudi Arabia wins its final two games – against Bahrain and Australia – while overturning a 10-goal swing to the Socceroos.