Today Football Match Australia vs Japan
As of June 5, 2025, at 13:10 (Perth time), the highly anticipated AFC World Cup Qualifier match between Australia and Japan is underway at Optus Stadium in Perth. The match is significant for Australia as they attempt to secure automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Australia's Road to Qualification
With coach Tony Popovic leading them, the Socceroos have been performing remarkably in recent times. Two successive victories—a 2–0 victory against China and a convincing 5–1 demolition of Indonesia—put Australia firmly in the second position of Group C, three points ahead of Saudi Arabia. A win today would secure their qualification for finishing second in the group and qualifying directly for the World Cup.
One of the positives for Australia is the return of defender Alessandro Circati, having recovered well from a ruptured ACL and a possible game-changer in this fixture.
Find out more about Australia's prospects here:
The Guardian - Socceroos confident of completing World Cup assignment against experimental Japan
Japan's Strategic Rotation
Japan has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup and is using this game as an opportunity to test new players. Some of the star players, such as Kaoru Mitoma and Hidemasa Morita, are rested. Young stars like Ryunosuke Sato and Junnosuke Suzuki get chances to break through.
Even with the rotated team, Japan's depth and tactical discipline are still impressive, so they are not an easy team to play against.
Find out more about Japan's strategy:
The Guardian - Mighty Japan stand in Socceroos' way - but it has never been a better time to face them
Head-to-Head Overview
Historically, Japan leads in head-to-head matches with 8 wins in their 15 meetings compared to Australia's 2. They played each other on October 15, 2024, and the match resulted in a 1–1 draw. Having home ground gives Australia an upper hand, and from what they have been playing lately, this will be a close match.
See detailed stats here:
FC Tables - Australia vs Japan Head to Head
Expert Prediction
Given Japan's rearranged lineup and Australia's recent performance, experts favor the Socceroos to win this game. A predicted 2–1 victory for Australia appears inevitable, which would be a massive step toward automatic qualification.
For expert opinions and prediction:
Footboom1 - Australia vs Japan Preview and Expert Prediction
Follow Live Updates
For live scores, lineups, and live commentary, you can follow the match on these sites:
Catch this historic World Cup qualifier unfold, as Australia aims to secure their place on football's biggest stage!