Socceroos to meet Japan in Perth in FIFA World Cup qualifier in June

A venue has been chosen for what looms as a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier for the Socceroos against Japan.

Buoyed by their effort to hold Japan to a draw in Saitama, the Socceroos are confident of again dealing with the threat of the Samurai Blue when the teams meet in Perth in June.

The Socceroos will play at Optus Stadium for the first time when they host Japan in a FIFA World Cup qualifier on June 5.

The powerful Japanese outfit has all but assured itself of a place in the 2026 World Cup with a nine-point lead at the top of Group C in the third round of the Asian Football Confederation’s qualifiers.

With each nation still having four third-round games remaining, the Socceroos are in second spot in Group C and have been the only team to take points off Japan after a 1-1 draw at Saitama Stadium in October.

“Facing Japan on home soil is as big as it gets in our confederation, and the team is looking forward to the challenge,” Socceroos assistant coach Hayden Foxe said on Monday.

“What gives us a lot of confidence and belief is the way we handled Japan over in Saitama.

“The boys performed very excellently under very difficult conditions, so I think all of us are looking forward to a rematch on our home soil where we can prepare the right way.

“(Optus) Stadium is a fantastic venue, and I’m sure the home fans will create a great atmosphere for the players.

“We’re excited to be heading to Perth for this important fixture.”

The Socceroos will host Japan in Perth in June. Picture: Philip FONG/AFP

The Socceroos are next in action in Sydney on March 20 against Indonesia before an away match against China five days later.

Australia’s home battle with Japan in Perth will be followed by a June 10 clash against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah.

“They’re all crucial,” Foxe said.

“We’re in a really good position. We’re second, so at the moment it’s in our hands and that’s how we want it to be.”

Foxe said national coach Tony Popovic – who took over from Graham Arnold in September would continue to give in-form players opportunities to play for the Socceroos, regardless of their age or where they were playing.

“If you’re playing well, it doesn’t matter how old or young you are, or where you are playing, you’ll get an opportunity,” Foxe said.

“We’re watching all the games every week.”

The top two nations in each of the AFC’s three third-round qualifying groups will guarantee themselves World Cup spots.

The teams finishing in third and fourth places in each group will enter the fourth round of AFC qualifiers, where two more sides will book World Cup spots.

A ninth AFC nation could also qualify for the tournament via the inter-confederation playoffs.

Originally published as Socceroos to meet Japan in Perth in FIFA World Cup qualifier in June