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

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

Despite Australia knowing the importance of a victory, it was Japan who 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. 

And things initially did not get much better for Australia after the break, as they 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.

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

Data Debrief: Behich and Socceroos end long droughts 

Not since a 7-0 win over Chinese Taipei in December 2012 had Behich scored for his country. 

But on his 80th appearance for Australia, the 34-year-old came up with the goods, ending that wait of over 12 years with a powerful finish into the top-right corner.

As well as pushing Australia to the brink of a sixth successive appearance at the World Cup, Behich's goal ended an even longer wait for the Socceroos to overcome Japan.

They had failed to win any of their last 10 meetings with Japan, drawing four and losing six since a 2-1 World Cup qualifying win in June 2009.