The Subway Young Socceroos qualified for the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup after reaching the semi-finals of the AFC U20 Asian Cup.
Australia will feature at their first FIFA U20 World Cup in 12 years thanks to a come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Iraq in China on Saturday.
A-Leagues guns fuelled the Young Socceroos’ landmark day in Shenzhen, where new Melbourne Victory loanee Alex Badolato – who is joining from rivals Western Sydney Wanderers – scored a stunning goal in the 74th minute to guide the Aussies to the final four and their first World Cup since 2013.
Adelaide United sensation Luka Jovanovic scored an incredible free-kick to equalise for Australia in the 22nd minute and the Young Socceroos were forced to come from behind again as Reds teammate Panagiotis Kikianis restored parity just past the hour mark.
Then, Badolato stepped up with a memorable half-volley as Iran or Japan await in the semi-finals of the Asian Cup.
