Australia will resume their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a mouthwatering clash against Japan at Optus Stadium on Thursday, 5 June 2025.
View our free Australia vs Japan predictions below.
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Australia vs Japan predictions: A low-scoring affair
Key stats
- Japan have already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Fewer than three goals were scored in four of the last five clashes between these teams.
- Australia have no wins in their last nine meetings with Japan.
Correct score prediction: Australia 1-1 Japan
Although Australia do not particularly have a great track record against Japan, it is important to note that Japan have nothing left to play for, as they have already secured a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
While Australia have no losses in their last seven matches, Japan are currently on an 11-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
Keeping in mind that four of the last seven competitive clashes between these teams ended 1-1, we are confident that both teams' respective unbeaten runs will continue with a stalemate.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Japan are expected winners
- HOME: 13/8 (2.63) – 38.1%
- DRAW: 19/10 (2.90) – 34.5%
- AWAY: 6/4 (2.50) – 40%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Japan and Australia are first and second in Group C of the AFC FIFA World Cup qualifiers, respectively.
With two matches left, Japan are seven points clear of Australia, who are three points ahead of third-placed Saudi Arabia.
Interestingly, Australia could potentially secure an automatic World Cup spot if they beat Japan.
Ahead of this skirmish, Japan are the expected winners at 6/4 (2.50). Teams with these odds generally have a 40% probability of winning.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Australia vs Japan predictions.
Moreover, both teams found the net in six of Australia's last eight encounters with Japan. For this reason, BTTS – Yes has an appealing look at 19/20 (1.95). That one has a 51.3% chance of landing.
Most recent H2Hs: Can Australia halt their winless streak?
Australia's most recent victory over Japan was in June 2009, during the qualifying rounds for the 2010 World Cup. They are winless in nine skirmishes between these teams since then (D4, L5).
Asia - World Cup Qualifying 24/03/22
Australia
Japan
Asia - World Cup Qualifying 12/10/21
Japan
Australia
Asia - World Cup Qualifying 31/08/17
Japan
Australia
Asia - World Cup Qualifying 11/10/16
Australia
Japan
International Match 18/11/14
Japan
Australia
Australia preview: Eyeing their sixth consecutive World Cup appearance
A run of three straight draws appeared to endanger Australia’s outright qualification for the FIFA World Cup. However, back-to-back wins against Indonesia and China have now put Tony Popovic’s side on the brink of qualification.
St Pauli midfielder Jackson Irvine, who was a difference-maker for the Socceroos in their wins against Indonesia and China, is unavailable due to injury. This will be a major blow, as he netted three times in those two games.
A victory against Japan on Thursday will most likely seal the berth for the Aussies, who are aiming for a sixth straight World Cup appearance, but that won't be an easy task as Japan have proven to be the best team in the confederation.
Predicted lineup: Ryan (GK), Degenek, Burgess, Circati, Miller, Baccus, Metcalfe, Davidson, Boyle, Taggart & Borrello.
Asia - World Cup Qualifying 25/03/25
W
China PR
0
Australia
2
Asia - World Cup Qualifying 20/03/25
W
Indonesia
1
Australia
5
Asia - World Cup Qualifying 19/11/24
D
Bahrain
2
Australia
2
Asia - World Cup Qualifying 14/11/24
D
Saudi Arabia
0
Australia
0
Asia - World Cup Qualifying 15/10/24
D
Japan
1
Australia
1
Japan preview: A clean bill of health
Boasting 20 points in eight games, Japan are already guaranteed a spot in next year's FIFA World Cup with two games to spare.
Despite this, most key players still made the squad for this month's qualifiers, including Kaoru Mitoma, Wataru Endo, Keito Nakamura, Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo.
Having scored a whopping 24 goals in eight games and conceded only twice, Hajime Moriyasu's troops will aim to keep their unbeaten qualifying record intact, although they can afford to lose their remaining two matches.
Predicted lineup: Suzuki (GK), Nagatomo, Machida, Seko,, Endo, Kamada, Nakamura, Ohashi, Suzuki, Kubo & Machino.
Asia - World Cup Qualifying 25/03/25
D
Saudi Arabia
0
Japan
0
Asia - World Cup Qualifying 20/03/25
W
Bahrain
0
Japan
2
Asia - World Cup Qualifying 19/11/24
W
China PR
1
Japan
3
Asia - World Cup Qualifying 15/11/24
W
Indonesia
0
Japan
4
Asia - World Cup Qualifying 15/10/24
D
Australia
1
Japan
1
Player to watch: Junya Ito
Junya Ito has been impressive in Japan's World Cup qualifying campaign with seven direct goal involvements in eight appearances. The Stade Reims forward will be called upon to provide goals on Thursday morning.