Australia is set for a challenging fixture as it prepares to take on a dominant Japan in the Asian World Cup qualifiers at Saitama Stadium on Tuesday. The Socceroos, who have had a mixed start in the third round of qualification, know that a win against their formidable opponents would put them back on track for a sixth successive World Cup appearance.
The clash will not only be pivotal for the Socceroos’ campaign but also marks a crucial moment for their new coach, Tony Popovic, who was appointed in September to replace Graham Arnold. With only one game under his belt—a 3-1 victory over China last Thursday—Popovic will be looking to make a statement in his second match in charge. A victory against Japan would signal Australia’s resurgence and Popovic’s capability as a tactician, especially since he will be facing a familiar figure on the sidelines.
Popovic to face former teammate Moriyasu
The match will see Popovic square off against his former teammate and current Japan head coach, Hajime Moriyasu. Popovic and Moriyasu played together for Japanese club Sanfrecce Hiroshima from 1997 to 2001, with Moriyasu serving as captain during that period. Popovic expressed respect for his old friend, acknowledging the remarkable progress Moriyasu has made in developing the Japanese national team.
“I know their head coach very well; he was my captain during my time in Japan. A remarkable person who has dedicated years to developing the national team,” Popovic said. He added that the upcoming match presents not just a significant challenge, but also a fantastic opportunity for Australia to make history by securing a victory on Japanese soil.
Japan’s impressive form
Japan enters the match in formidable form, having secured three wins in a row against China, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. They have scored an impressive 14 goals while conceding none, highlighting their dominance in the competition. With these results, Japan is well on its way to qualifying for an eighth successive World Cup.
Moriyasu’s side has demonstrated its attacking prowess and defensive solidity, making them one of the toughest teams to beat in Asia. The Japanese squad’s depth, cohesion, and experience make them strong favorites, and they will be looking to extend their perfect record in the qualifiers.
Australia’s quest for consistency
Despite their strong start under Popovic, Australia faces a daunting task against a Japanese side that has yet to show any signs of weakness. A victory in Saitama would catapult the Socceroos back into serious contention for an automatic qualification spot. As it stands, Australia has four points in the group, trailing Japan by five points.
A loss, however, could complicate their path to the 2026 World Cup, especially with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain also vying for the top spots. Both teams, like Australia, have four points and will face each other in Jeddah on the same day. The outcome of these matches could significantly shape the standings and determine the race for the automatic qualification spots.
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Other key matchups in the qualifiers
The World Cup qualifiers in Asia are heating up across all groups. In Group B, South Korea will host Iraq, with both teams currently tied on seven points. Due to the poor condition of the playing surface at Seoul World Cup Stadium, the game has been moved to the city of Yongin. South Korea will be missing its two English Premier League stars, Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur and Hwang Hee-chan of Wolverhampton Wanderers, both of whom are out with injuries.
In Group A, Uzbekistan and Iran are level at the top with seven points each. Iran’s upcoming match against fourth-place Qatar will take place in Dubai, rather than Tehran, due to the ongoing security situation in Iran. Meanwhile, third-place United Arab Emirates will face Uzbekistan, hoping to close the gap on the top two.
The stakes are high across all groups, as the top two teams from each of the three groups of six will qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup. The third and fourth-place finishers will move on to the next stage, making every game crucial.
Final thoughts
For Australia, the match against Japan is more than just a qualifier—it’s a test of resolve, strategy, and character. A win in Saitama would not only boost their qualification chances but also announce their return as a formidable force in Asian football. However, Japan’s impeccable form and tactical discipline will make this an uphill battle for the Socceroos, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.
