As the world’s major club football seasons come to a close, it’s time once again for international matches to resume with matchday nine of World Cup qualification matches in the third round of the AFC World Cup qualifiers. Australia takes on Japan at home on Thursday, June 5, at home, with both teams looking to solidify their chances of qualification from this round of Group C of the World Cup qualification AFC qualifiers. Both sides qualified for the previous World Cup and represented the AFC nations, and we look forward to doing the same in the next FIFA World Cup in the USA and Mexico.
Learn more about the odds, team news, picks, and predictions for this qualifier between Australia and Japan:
Where to Watch Australia vs Japan
Here is when and where to watch the clash between Australia and Japan:
Date: 05/06/2025
Time: 10:10 PM CET
Location: Optus Stadium, Perth.
Where to Watch: The AFC YouTube channel all over the world.
Australia vs Japan Preview
With recent history in this fixture favouring Japan, they have won 6 out of the last 11 encounters between the two sides, with Australia having managed to win only one. Four encounters between the two nations have ended in a draw, and the previous time they faced each other, it ended in a one-all draw with two own goals from each side on October 15, 2024.
Australia
At home in Optus Stadium, the Socceroos will count on their well-organised midfield and stout defence. Australia will not have lost a game in the tournament’s first 7 matches and will do this by blocking Japan’s efforts in midfield, joining in on set pieces, and seeking every chance to score. They have to score more often to get a better position in the league.
Japan
Being unbeaten in 12 games and coming from a near-perfect qualifying run, Japan goes into the match as the team to beat. Their better skills and organization may make them control possession and find gaps in the Australians’ defence. A win in this fixture might just guarantee a league topper spot for them.
Australia vs Japan Under/Over Predictions
Total Goals Over 3.5 @ +310 as per Bet MGM: The contest will be end-to-end with both teams being high-scoring squads. Japan has scored 24 goals in the 8 matches in this round of qualification so far, with Australia scoring 13 goals with a goal difference of plus 7. Thus, with two teams having great and prolific goal-scorers, it is expected that the teams will go all out and score a lot of goals, as per BetMGM.
Australia vs Japan Player Picks
Mao Hosoya to score anytime @ +250 as per BetMGM: The Japanese striker playing for the Kashiwa Reysol squad in the J-League has scored 4 goals in the season so far with 3 assists. In his two appearances for the nation, he has already managed to put his name on the score sheet and will look forward to doing the same on Thursday against Australia.
Adam Taggart to score anytime @+155 as per FanDuel: The striker from Perth Glory playing in the Australian A-League has scored 10 goals and provided 4 assists in the league so far. The 32-year-old Australian has also scored a goal and provided an assist for the Australian national team in the 5 appearances this season. And in a tight group with other teams lurking behind to take their spot, Adam would be one of the primary weapons for the Australian squad.
Australia vs Japan Predictions
Australia taking on Japan would be a significant fixture for their future proceeding towards the next FIFA World Cup, whereas Japan would like to consolidate their position as the toppers of the group, as mentioned earlier. Optus Stadium in Perth will be a site of significant Asian football drama as the result of the fixture can also mean more to the Saudi Arabian contingent sitting in third place in the same group.
Our Final Predictions: The visitors will take away a narrow margin 2-1 win against Australia and will leave Australia in tight waters with Saudi Arabia coming from behind, possibly having the chance to overtake them in the group standings.
