Australia vs Japan Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

The last confrontation between the two teams ended in a draw.

The Australia national football team are all set to host the Japan national football team for a 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers fixture. The interesting match between the two sides will be played at the Optus Stadium. Both sides are part of Group C and are doing well so far. Japan are in the top spot and Australia are placed second.

The Australia national football team will be at home. This will be an added advantage for them as they are set for a tough contest against the Japanese. The Socceroos don’t have a very positive record against their opponents, which might put them under some pressure coming into the game.

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The Samurai Blue are dominating the proceedings in Group C. The Japan national football team are unbeaten as of now and will be looking to continue with their form. Japan have shown some great performances in recent times and have evolved as a squad. The Samurai Blue will be eyeing a win here and will also be looking to extend the lead at the top of the table.

Kick-off:

• Location: Perth, Australia
• Stadium: Optus Stadium
• Date: Thursday, June 5
• Kick-off Time: 16:40 IST/ 12:10 GMT/ 07:10 ET/ 04:10 PT
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form:

Australia: D-D-D-W-W

Japan: D-W-W-W-D

Players to Watch

Brandon Borrello (Australia)

The 29-year-old forward is going to play an important role in the attacking front for the Socceroos. Brandon Borrello has only been a part of a couple of games in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He has scored a goal so far.

The opposition are a strong side and Borrello will be looking to step up here.

Takefusa Kubo (Japan)

Takefusa Kubo, who is an integral part of the LaLiga side Real Sociedad, is going to play an important role in the attacking front as well as in the midfield areas for the Samurai Blue. Kubo has nine goal involvements in seven World Cup qualifying games for Japan. He has been included in the squad and might also emerge as a game-changer.

Match Facts

• Australia have not won any of their last five games against the Samurai Blue.
• The Socceroos are on a seven-match undefeated run.
• Japan are on a 12-game unbeaten run.

Australia vs Japan: Betting Tips and Odds

• Match to end in a draw @21/10 bet365
• Goals under 2.5 @8/13 bet365
• Brandon Borrello to score @9/1 bet365

Injury and Team News

All of the selected members for both Japan and Australia are fit and ready to be in action.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 27

Australia won: 6

Japan won: 12

Draws: 9

Predicted Lineups

Australia predicted lineup (3-4-2-1)

Ryan (GK); Geria, Degenek, Burgess; Miller, Irvine, Teague, McGree; Boyle, Tilio; Borrello

Japan predicted lineup (3-4-2-1)

Suzuki (GK); Takai, Itakura, Watanabe; Sekine, Endo, Morishita, Nakamura; Kubo, Kamada; Ohashi

Match Prediction

The Socceroos and the Samurai Blue are likely to produce an intense battle. The Australia vs Japan FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers match is likely to end in a draw.

Prediction: Australia 1-1 Japan

Telecast Details

India: FanCode

Indonesia: GTV

Japan: DAZN Japan

Australia: Paramount+

Saudi Arabia: beIN SPORTS CONNECT

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