Australia left the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) in 2006 to join the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), aiming for a smoother route to World Cup qualification. Previously, the top team in Oceania had to play a two-leg playoff against a South American nation to earn a spot in the tournament.
The Socceroos had experienced heartbreak in these playoffs multiple times, failing to qualify for the World Cup in 1986, 1994, 1998, and 2002. They finally secured a place in the 2006 World Cup after finishing first in their Oceania group and defeating Uruguay on penalties in the inter-confederation playoff.
Results in the Oceania qualifiers were often lopsided, highlighting the difference in competition. In 2002, Australia recorded a 31-0 victory over American Samoa and a 22-0 win against Tonga.
Australia’s move to the AFC was unanimously approved by both FIFA and the confederation. This change allowed the Socceroos to qualify through the Asian route for the 2010 World Cup onward, participate in the Asian Cup, and enable A-League clubs to compete in the AFC Champions League.
Benefits of joining Asia
Since the switch, Australia has successfully qualified for every World Cup. The decision has also exposed the team to stronger competition, improving the level of football nationally.
Then-Australia coach Graham Arnold, reflecting on the change in 2024, said the move had been the right decision. He emphasized that facing tougher opponents in Asia had strengthened the team and contributed to the growth of football across the country.
Potential for returning to Oceania
With FIFA expanding the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Oceania now has one automatic qualifying spot, while Asia has eight. Both Australia and New Zealand have qualified for 2026, marking the first time both nations will compete in the same World Cup since 2010.
When asked if Australia could return to Oceania, Arnold noted that he did not make those rules and suggested New Zealand might not welcome such a move.