World Cup Qualifiers 2026, Australia-China: Ryan benched to kick-off the game
The second goalkeeper for Roma will not be starting in the third round of the group matches. The Aston Villa’s ultimate defender, Joe Gauci, has been chosen over him.
Mathew Ryan won’t be among the starters for Australia in the home match against China, kicking off at 11.10 am Italian time. The game marks the third round in the qualifying group stages for the 2026 American World Cup. It’s the first benching for the second goalkeeper of Roma, who had started in the 0-1 defeat suffered in the last minute at home against Bahrain and in the goalless draw in Indonesia. Taking his place is the goalkeeper of Aston Villa, Joe Gauci. Both arrive at this challenge without ever having tasted victory: indeed, the visitors are still reeling from the crushing 7-0 loss they endured in Japan, and the 1-2 upset they suffered at home against the Saudi Arabia.
