"Australia compete in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) after quitting the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) in 2005 in order to simplify their path to World Cup qualification. At the time, the best team in Oceania qualifying had to face a South American team in a two-leg playoff to reach the World Cup, while Asia had four automatic qualifying spots and a play-off. The Socceroos had lost out on World Cup qualification via the inter-confederation play-offs in 1986, 1994, 1998 and 2002."
"Both Fifa and the AFC unanimously accepted Australia's proposal, meaning Australia could qualify for the World Cup via the Asian Conference from 2006, play in the Asian Cup, and allow A-League clubs to compete in the AFC Champions League. The switch paid off, with Australia qualifying for every World Cup since. Image source, Getty Images Following Fifa's decision to expand the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico to 48 teams,"
Australia moved from the Oceania Football Confederation to the Asian Football Confederation in 2005 to simplify World Cup qualification and face stronger opponents. Oceania qualification previously required the top team to beat a South American side in an inter-confederation playoff, and Australia suffered playoff failures in multiple tournaments. The move allowed Australia to enter Asian qualifying, the Asian Cup, and the AFC Champions League via A-League clubs. The switch produced consistent World Cup qualification. FIFA's expansion to 48 teams created one automatic Oceania spot and eight in Asia, enabling both New Zealand and Australia to qualify for 2026.
Read at www.bbc.com
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