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Australia vs Japan Tips, Prediction & Live Stream - Socceroos winless vs Japan since 2009
Australia is set to host Japan in an exciting 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Optus Stadium. Currently in a strong position, the Socceroos aim to secure automatic qualification, sitting three points ahead of Saudi Arabia. Even with key players sidelined, the understrength Japanese squad remains formidable, having conceded just two goals this campaign. Historical encounters have often resulted in low scores, suggesting a cautious game. A 1-1 draw with fewer than 2.5 goals is a likely outcome. Watch the match on live streams like bet365 for more action.
- Australia vs Japan predictions for Thursday's World Cup qualifying game
- Japan are unbeaten vs Australia since 2009
- Four of the last five meetings have featured Under 2.5 goals
- A 1-1 draw has been the correct score in four of the last nine meetings
- The match is scheduled for kick off at 9.10pm AEST at Optus Stadium on Thursday June 5
Expired
Australia host Japan on Thursday (Photo by Getty Images)
Australia vs Japan Tips, Prediction & Live Stream
The Socceroos look to take another step towards 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification when they host an understrength Japan outfit at Optus Stadium in Perth on Thursday night.
- Australia vs Japan Tips, Prediction & Live Stream
- Head To Head
- Australia Form
- Australia Team News
- Japan Form
- Japan Team News
- Live Stream
Australia are in pole position to secure the second and final automatic qualifying spot behind Japan, but there is still a lot of work to be done. The Socceroos are currently three points ahead of Saudi Arabia and have a vastly superior goal difference, meaning even if they lost this game, a draw against the Green Falcons in their final group game would be enough to lock up second place - and that's assuming the Saudis are able to beat Bahrain on the road this week.
Regardless of permutations, this won't be an easy game for the Socceroos, despite Japan - who qualified at a canter - naming a squad with just seven players containing more than 10 international caps. Australia haven't conquered Japan since 2009 and Tony Popovic's side also have various key figures sidelined. Settling for a point might have to suffice here, with Under 2.5 goals also backed.
- Australia haven't beaten Japan since 2009
- Japan have conceded just two goals this qualifying campaign
- Japan have seen Under 2.5 goals in four of their last six games
- Four of the last five meetings have seen Under 2.5 goals
- A 1-1 draw has been the result in four of the last nine meetings
Head To Head
Japan have won three of the last four meetings, but the most-recent reverse fixture in his qualifying campaign resulted in a 1-1 draw in Saitama, with both sides scoring own goals.
Australia Form
After a turbulent start to the campaign, the Socceroos are back on track and have their destiny in their own hands with two games remaining.
Australia suffered a shock home loss to Bahrain and drew with Indonesia on the road in their opening two games, resulting in Graham Arnold stepping down and Tony Popovic taking charge.
Popovic has remained unbeaten to start his tenure as Socceroos manager, but it's also fair to say the performances haven't really improved.
Nevertheless, Popovic has got the job done, with the Socceroos strengthening their position in second with 5-1 and 2-0 wins over Indonesia and China respectively in the last fixture window.
Australia Team News
Melbourne Victory youngster Kasey Bos and Benfica B midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler - the son of former Socceroo Paul - have been named in their first senior Socceroos squad.
Key midfielders Riley McGree and Connor Metcalfe also return from injury after missing the last two games, while defender Alessandro Circati makes his long-awaited comeback from an ACL injury.
Jackson Irvine and Nestory Irankunda miss out with injuries, while Max Balard and Nectar Triantis also weren't selected.
You can see the full Socceroos squad below:
Daniel Arzani, Aziz Behich, Brandon Borrello, Kasey Bos, Martin Boyle, Cameron Burgess, Anthony Caceres, Alessandro Circati, Milos Degenek, Mitchell Duke, Joe Gauci, Jason Geria, Paul Izzo, Riley McGree, Connor Metcalfe, Lewis Miller, Paul Okon-Engstler, Aiden O’Neill, Kye Rowles, Mat Ryan, Mohamed Toure, Adam Taggart, Ryan Teague, Marco Tilio, Kai Trewin, Patrick Yazbek
Daniel Arzani, Aziz Behich, Brandon Borrello, Kasey Bos, Martin Boyle, Cameron Burgess, Anthony Caceres, Alessandro Circati, Milos Degenek, Mitchell Duke, Joe Gauci, Jason Geria, Paul Izzo, Riley McGree, Connor Metcalfe, Lewis Miller, Paul Okon-Engstler, Aiden O’Neill, Kye Rowles, Mat Ryan, Mohamed Toure, Adam Taggart, Ryan Teague, Marco Tilio, Kai Trewin, Patrick Yazbek
Japan Form
Japan absolutely blitzed this qualifying campaign, becoming the first nation to secure their spot at the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico.
The Blue Samarai won six of their opening seven matches and have scored a total of 24 goals and conceded just two.
As a result, Japan have earned the right to put their feet up and blood some youth/J-League players in these final two group games.
Japan Team News
Hajime Moriyasu has picked an understrength squad, with European-based stars Kaoru Mitoma, Ao Tanaka, Ko Itakura, Ayase Ueda and Hidemasa Morita all missing.
Seven players have been called up for the first time, but captain Wataru Endo should play a part.
Keisuke Osako, Zion Suzuki, Kosei Tani, Hiroki Sekine, Koki Machida, Kota Takai, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Yuto Nagatomo, Ayumu Seko, Junnosuke Suzuki, Wataru Endo, Kaishu Sano, Koki Kumasaka, Joel, Chima Fujita, Daichi Kamada, Kota Tawaratsumida, Kodai Sano, Ryoya Morishita, Yu Hirakawa, Ryunosuke Sato, Takefusa Kubo, Shunsuke Mito, Keito Nakamura, Shuto Machino, Yuito Suzuki, Mao Hosoya, Yuki Ohashi
Live Stream
Watch and bet on Australia vs Japan live soccer in Asia FIFA World Cup qualifying.
You can watch and bet on the match live at bet365 > Soccer > World Cup Qualifying with the action available to stream on desktop and mobile.
Geo-restrictions apply, you'll need a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours to gain access. 18+ terms and conditions apply.
Verdict
Despite naming an understrength squad, Japan will be tough for the Socceroos to put away.
I'm backing Under 2.5 goals and a 1-1 correct score, which has landed in four of the last nine encounters between the teams.
Under 2.5
Total Goals
$1.60 - 3 Units
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Draw
H2H
$2.90 - 1 Unit
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1-1
Correct Score
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