Australia vs Japan

Australia continues their quest for a 2026 World Cup berth, facing off against the already-qualified Japan at home on Thursday in their Asian qualifying campaign.

While Japan are set for next summer’s tournament, the Socceroos are focused on securing second place in Group C, ahead of Saudi Arabia, to earn direct qualification. Just four points from their final two matches will guarantee Australia’s spot at the global finals, with a crucial clash against Saudi Arabia, their closest rivals, looming next Tuesday.

Leading Saudi Arabia by three points and boasting a better goal difference, Australia bolstered their standing with consecutive victories in March—a 5-1 thrashing of Indonesia and a 2-0 win over China. Even if they stumble this month, teams finishing third or fourth in the group can still advance to another round of AFC qualifying in October, where two additional automatic spots are up for grabs. Beyond that, intercontinental playoffs offer a final lifeline, though Australia are eager to avoid such a lengthy path.

A win in Perth could all but clinch their qualification, with next week’s match providing another opportunity if needed. Since Graham Arnold’s exit after guiding Australia to the round of 16 in Qatar, new coach Tony Popovic has yet to lose, marking a shift in fortunes. However, facing Japan presents a stern test—Australia haven’t beaten them in 16 years, though a 1-1 draw in Saitama last October halted a streak of three consecutive losses.

Japan, meanwhile, can play without pressure, having already booked their place at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The Samurai Blue, led by Hajime Moriyasu, have dominated Group C, remaining unbeaten in the third phase of qualifying with a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia in their last outing. With six wins from eight matches, conceding just two goals while averaging three per game, Japan secured top spot with two rounds to spare.

As the first non-host nation to qualify, Japan are gearing up for their eighth straight World Cup appearance, aiming to build on their strong showing in Qatar 2022. To maintain their momentum, Moriyasu’s squad will look to extend their unbeaten run in their final two games—starting with Australia and followed by a home match against Indonesia in Suita next Tuesday.