It’s a top of the table clash in Group C, as the Socceroos face off against Japan in Perth. A win against Japan will guarantee Australia a position at next year’s World Cup, which makes this game one of the most important matches ever played on Australian soil! Action will get underway at Optus Stadium onThursday night from 9:10pm AEST!
Australia vs Japan World Cup Qualifiers Preview & Betting Tips
What the Socceroos Need to Do
Thanks to a successful March window where they won back to back games, Australia heads into the last two games of Group C needing just one win to secure automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However Australia’s last two games are the toughest, against group leader Japan and an away fixture against Saudi Arabia. The Socceroos are three points clear and have a +9 advantage on goal difference over third placed Saudi Arabia.
Japan’s Dominance
Japan has been the best team in Asia for the entirety of this century, and this World Cup Qualifying cycle has been no different. Japan are undefeated in this cycle with six wins and two draws, with a remarkable 24 goals for and only 2 goals against. Japan has scored the most goals of any team in Asia, conceded the fewest goals, and have won the most games of any team in Asia during the World Cup Qualifiers.
Japanese Complacency?
Given Japan’s dominance they have already secured qualification, which has seen them heavily rotate their squad. Ao Tanaka, Ko Itakura, Kaoru Mitoma, Ayase Ueda and Hidemasa Morita aren’t in the squad, with seven players in Japan’s squad called up for the first time. The side they play on Thursday will still be capable, but given they have nothing to play for, will the motivation be there?
Australia Building
Australia started this qualifying cycle with a loss and a draw from the opening two games, however since Tony Popovic took over as manager, the Socceroos have been impressive. Australia are undefeated with three wins and three draws, including a draw away from home against Japan. Australia’s attacking game has been the biggest improvement, scoring nine goals across their last three games.
Australia vs Japan Prediction
It’s brewing as a perfect storm for Australia, a home fixture against an opposition that has nothing to play for. This game is an opportunity for Australia to end a horror run of form against Japan, who they haven’t beaten since 2010. Australia have been building a nice run of form and should show a higher level of desperation than what Japan will on Thursday night. With a chance to secure automatic qualification, expect a huge performance by the Socceroos.
Australia to Win
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