Australia vs Qatar Prediction – International Friendly

The upcoming AFC Asian Cup may have been postponed for another 12 months, but Australia will get a taste of the best the continent has to offer when they take on the reigning champions Qatar this Saturday.

After pushing footballing superpower Brazil all the way in two friendlies in the last international break, Australia will no doubt be keen to continue refining their combinations and tactical approach.

Qatar are winless in their last five, with a 1-3 loss to Bosnia their most recent outing, so they’ll be desperate to right the ship in front of their own.

Tony Popovic is expected to use the clash to blood some new talent, which also adds an extra layer of unpredictability and intrigue to this one.

For the latest betting tips and analysis ahead of this international friendly, check out our Australia vs Qatar tips and predictions below.

Australia vs Qatar Tips and Prediction 

Head-to-Head Prediction

Australia have dominated this fixture historically, winning three of the last five meetings between these two nations.

However, Qatar hold the psychological edge heading into this one, having won the most recent encounter 1-0 back in 2014. 

Add in home advantage at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium and genuine Asian Cup pedigree, and Qatar look better placed to trouble the Socceroos than recent history suggests.

Both sides are in need of a tune up, but Australia's squad still carries more firepower in key areas, particularly through Nestory Irankunda, who's been their standout performer in front of goal over the past 10 matches. 

The uncapped Eli Adams also looms as a threat in the final third, particularly from range and is one to the Qatari goalkeeper should be monitoring at all times should he get some minutes. 

Qatar will lean on their AFC Asian Cup-winning nous and home comforts to keep this close, but in our opinion, not close enough.

Betting tip: Australia. 

Correct Score Prediction 

Qatar's struggles in front of goal recently are offset by Australia's tendency to concede, leading us to predict something along the lines of 3-1 scoreline.

If Australia score first and force Qatar to go after the game, this one could really open up for the likes of Irankunda, Adams and co. 

Betting tip: 3-1 Australia. 

First Goal Prediction 

No prizes for guessing who we are backing here. Australia’s star boy Nestory Irankunda's record of four goals and seven shots on target across his last 10 appearances make our preferred candidate to open the scoring in this one.

He is also on set pieces, and who can forget him curling one into the top corner in Townsville to open the scoring against Brazil just over a month ago. 

Chance of early backflips – high. 

Betting tip: Nestory Irankunda.

Australian Squad 

Goalkeepers: Patrick Beach, Joe Gauci, Tom Glover*

Defenders: Kealey Adamson*, Aziz Behich, Kasey Bos*, Alessandro Circati, Jason Geria, Diesel Herrington*, Lucas Herrington, Jacob Italiano, Harry Souttar 

Midfielders: Sam Klein*, Riley McGree, Connor Metcalfe, Paul Okon-Engstler, Gianni Stensness, Patrick Yazbek

Forwards: Eli Adams*, Daniel Arzani, Nestory Irankunda, Thomas Waddingham*, Kusini Yengi, Tete Yengi, Marcus Younis 

*Denotes an uncapped player.

How to Watch Australia vs Qatar

This international friendly against Qatar will be live streamed exclusively on Paramount+ for Australia viewers. 

The match kicks off at 1:45am AEDT on Saturday morning Down Under, so if you plan on tuning in, make sure to set your alarm! 

Australia vs Qatar Match Details 

Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026.

Kick-off: 1:45am AEDT. 

Location: Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar 

Where to watch: Paramount+

*Odds are subject to change.