Overview

• Alessandro Circati starts after recovering from a September 2024 ACL rupture, slotting into Tony Popovic’s back three for tonight’s match.
• Australia sits second in Group C with a three-point lead over Saudi Arabia and can all but seal automatic qualification with a victory.
• Japan has already booked its World Cup place and is fielding a less experienced side without key players Kaoru Mitoma and Ritsu Doan.
• The Socceroos have not beaten Japan since 2009, making this fixture their prime opportunity to end a 16-year winless streak.
• Kickoff is scheduled for 9:15 pm AEST at Optus Stadium in Perth, with live coverage on Channel 10 and Paramount+ beginning at 8:30 pm.