Debutant Nishan Velupillay put the icing on Socceroos’ first win of qualifying stage

Without a goal in the opening two matches, Australia wrapped up a 3-1 win over China.

The changes offered not just fresh faces but a fresh tactical approach with either a back three or five, depending on your view of the game, and early on they appeared to have had the desired effect with Australia playing with the dynamism that Popovic promised.

Australian Tamil footballer Nishan Velupillay made a stunning international debut for Australia during their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match.

The 23-year-old Melbourne player, of Sri Lankan Tamil heritage, scored a crucial goal in Australia’s 3-1 victory over China, keeping the nation’s World Cup hopes alive.

Velupillay’s performance promises more excitement as Australia continues their journey toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup.