<p>Australia can take another big step to secure World Cup qualification on Thursday night when they host Japan to open their next set of qualifiers in the June international window.&nbsp;</p> <p>After securing two big wins against Indonesia and China in March, The Socceroos sit second in Group C and come to Perth for the start of this two-game window with the qualification stakes higher than they have ever been.&nbsp;</p> <p>Their opponents, Japan, have already secured their automatic qualification through to the World Cup. So they might have sent a second-string outfit out to Australia (still packed with J-League stars) in a bid to just get through the game. For the Aussies though, the Samurai Blue has been a mountain the Aussies haven’t been able to conquer in recent times and will be expecting their best.</p> <p>For the latest analysis, team news, odds, and more ahead of this must-win World Cup Qualifier, check out our Australia vs Japan prediction and preview below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Who is in the Socceroos Team?</h2> <p>As we’ve come to expect under Tony Popovic’s reign as coach of the national team, his squads have been funky, to say the least.</p> <p>Mind you, he has had to navigate some injuries to some key players, which of course, opens the door for some younger players to get their opportunity in the green and gold.</p> <p>The chatter again remains to be who isn’t there. Nectar Triantis was expected to be included after a breakout season for Hibernian in Scotland this season but pulled out at the last minute citing plenty being on his mind and wanting a break to sort his future out.&nbsp;</p> <p>A-League stars Adrian Segecic and Noah Botic also weren’t picked after their respective brilliant seasons domestically. Former Portsmouth striker Kusuni Yengi also missed out on selection.&nbsp;</p> <p>Regular starters Jackson Irvine, Harry Souttar, and Craig Goodwin are all unavailable due to injury, and wunderkind Nestory Irankunda was picked to play for the young Socceroos before he was withdrawn due to injury.&nbsp;</p> <p>Their absences provide the opportunity for squad bolters Kasey Bos and Paul Okon-Engstler who have earned their maiden national team call up.</p> <p>Returning to the national camp after respective injury layoffs are Aston Villa goalkeeper Joe Gauci and exciting defender Alessandro Circati after overcoming an ACL injury after then playing a key role in his club side Parma’s promotion to Serie A in 2023/24.</p> <p>Midfield pair Riley McGree and Connor Metcalfe are also back from their respective injury troubles while fellow midfielder Patrick Yazbek has been rewarded for his strong form with selection.</p> <p>Fresh off winning the championship with Melbourne City, Aziz Behich and Marco Tillio have joined up with the squad in Perth too.&nbsp;</p> <h2>Socceroos squad to face Japan</h2> <p>Daniel Arzani, Aziz Behich, Brandon Borrello, Kasey Bos, Martin Boyle, Cameron Burgess, Anthony Caceres, Alessandro Circati, Milos Degenek, Mitchell Duke, Joe Gauci, Jason Geria, Paul Izzo, Riley McGree, Connor Metcalfe, Lewis Miller, Paul Okon-Engstler, Aiden O’Neill, Kye Rowles, Mat Ryan, Mohamed Toure, Adam Taggart, Ryan Teague, Marco Tilio, Kai Trewin, Patrick Yazbek</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Australia vs Japan Preview</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Australia vs Japan Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <h3>Head-to-Head (H2H)</h3> <p>Tony Popovic has turned the fortunes of the national team around in his short time in charge. Two wins in March were a strong start to his managerial career at the top, following a period of struggle when they won just one of six matches as life under Graham Arnold petered out.&nbsp;</p> <p>This is a different challenge though, coming up against Asian powerhouse Japan, who have six wins and two draws from eight matches this qualifying campaign. They have already secured their ticket to the US for the 2026 tournament and have used the opportunity to develop their squad in the lead-up to the major tournament.</p> <p>Having been held to a goalless draw to Saudi Arabia in their last outing, Australia will fancy their chances of avoiding defeat. Particularly at home in front of a large Optus Stadium crowd. A draw would be enough to keep destiny in their hands heading into the match against the Saudis the following week in Jeddah.</p> <p>When the two teams faced off in October in Saitima, Australia came close to doing something they hadn’t done since 2009 and beat their Asian rival, only for a Cam Burgess own goal to scupper the dream late.</p> <p>If the Socceroos can use the advantage of the crowd and play the same positive football they have played previously under Poppa, it should at least trouble Japan. But it would take something really special to claim all three points here.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>1-1 draw</p> <h3>First Goal</h3> <p>Martin Boyle has become the Socceroos’ designated spot kicker and opened the scoring against Indonesia with a bullet from the spot.</p> <p>Likely to partner Borrello or Taggart up front to start the match, we’re looking at him to kick things off for the home side and get Australia off to the perfect start.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Martin Boyle</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Correct Score</h3> <p>We highly doubt Australia will get on a run and score a bunch of goals here. Japan is a different beast of an opponent in comparison to China and Indonesia.</p> <p>We fully expect Japan to find the back of the net, but we think Australia will find one too. Hence why we’ve picked the draw.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>1-1 draw</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Where to watch Australia vs Japan</h2> <p>Australians will be able to watch Australia vs Japan live and free on Network 10. Coverage will be broadcast on Channel 10 and simulcast on 10 Play and Paramount Plus.</p> <h2>Australia vs Japan Match Details</h2> <p><strong>Kick-off:</strong> 9:00pm AEST</p> <p><strong>Date: </strong>Thursday, June 5th, 2025</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Optus Stadium, Perth</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>