Australia coach Tony Popovic is aiming for a crucial victory over Japan on Thursday — a result that would significantly boost the Socceroos’ hopes of World Cup qualification and reinforce their ambition to become Asia’s leading footballing nation.
The clash in Perth sees Australia take on Hajime Moriyasu’s reshuffled Japanese side, with the hosts knowing a win would all but seal second place in Group C and move them closer to a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Japan have already secured top spot and qualification.
“A win is what we’re pushing for,” said Popovic, whose team earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw when the sides last met in October.
“We’re confident we can improve on our last performance against them — which was already a good one. But we know we’ll have to be at our very best to beat the best team in Asia. That’s the level we’re aspiring to.”
With qualification already assured, Japan have named a more experimental squad for the trip to Australia, including eight uncapped players. While key stars like Kaoru Mitoma, Hidemasa Morita, and Ayase Ueda are absent, experienced names such as Liverpool’s Wataru Endo and Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo remain part of the 27-man roster.
Australia, second in the group and three points ahead of third-placed Saudi Arabia with two matches remaining, will be without influential midfielder Jackson Irvine, who is recovering from foot surgery.
“It’s certainly not their strongest squad, but it’s still very good,” Popovic added. “When we played them in Japan, their entire starting eleven was based in Europe. This time they’ve mixed in some J-League players with those based abroad.
“We haven’t beaten them often, but regardless of who takes the field, we know Japan will be strong. We’re ready for that challenge.”
