Australia v Japan: Date, venue, team news, odds and more

Australia have an opportunity to book their place at the 2026 World Cup when they face Japan in their latest World Cup qualifier in Perth on Thursday evening.

Tony Popovic's men sit second in Group C, seven points behind Japan, but more crucially three ahead of Saudi Arabia back in third place.

A spot in the top two will secure the Socceroos' spot at the World Cup and they have the situation completely in their own hands.

They are in the box seat to qualify and will be hoping to get the job done in front of their own supporters in Perth, although they have not won any of their last ten meetings with the Blue Samurai.

Australia then travel to take on Saudi Arabia on 11th June, but if all goes according to plan then that match will be a dead rubber.

Here is all you need to know ahead of Australia v Japan.

Australia v Japan date

Australia versus Japan takes place on Thursday 5th June.

Australia v Japan time

Australia versus Japan is set to kick off at 19:10 Perth time, which is 21:10 (AEST).

Australia v Japan venue

Australia versus Japan is set to take place at Optus Stadium, Perth, Western Australia.

It will be the first time that the Socceroos have played at the Western Australia venue since it opened in December 2017.

Optus has a capacity of just over 61,000 and is the home of AFL teams Fremantle Dockers and West Coast Eagles.

The venue has hosted soccer matches before, including the A-League grand final and a friendly clash between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.

Australia v Japan how to watch

Australia versus Japan will be shown free-to-air in Australia on Channel 10.

Australia v Japan team news

Socceroos head coach Popovic has named a strong extended squad of 26 players for the double-header against Japan and Saudi Arabia.

Middlesbrough star Riley McGree and Connor Metcalfe, who plays for FC St Pauli in Germany, return to the squad following injuries.

Fresh from winning the A-League grand final, Melbourne City star Aziz Behich is also in the squad, along with the Melbourne Victory trio Daniel Arzani, Kasey Bos and Ryan Teague.

Perth Glory striker Adam Taggart will be hoping he gets the chance to shine in his home state.

Australia v Japan odds

The Socceroos head into the clash as the underdogs, despite having home advantage.

They can be backed at 3.20 to pick up the win, while Japan are priced at 2.35 to leave with all three points.

The draw is priced at 3.10.

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.