World Cup Qualifiers: Australia vs Japan - Betting Tips, Odds & Prediction

Japan and Australia, arguably the strongest teams in the continent, are set to lock horns in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers at Optus Stadium. 

The best betting sites in NZ are offering near similar odds for this battle, with Japan heading into the tie as marginal favourites, even though they will go beyond enemy lines. Australia, on the other hand, will hope to move closer to top of the Group C standings. 

Here’s our Australia vs Japan preview and prediction. Stay with us as we reveal the best betting tips for this crunch clash, including a $7.25 punt on Japan. 

Australia

Australia come into the match on the back of a 2-0 win over China PR, with both goals coming in the opening half-hour of their March World Cup qualifier. With their win in China, Australia stretched their unbeaten streak to seven in World Cup qualifiers, reinforcing their status as one of the region’s toughest sides to beat.

The Socceroos had a tumultuous start to their World Cup qualifiers mission and had only one win to show for their first six Round 3 games. Graham Arnold had to hand over the reins to Tony Popovic as a result, and he brought the Aussies back-to-back wins to grab the second spot of the group. 

Team News: Parma defender Alessandro Circati is available for first XI selection after a long ACL layoff. 

Predicted Lineup: Ryan; Burgess, Degenk, Rowles; Miller, O'Neill, Metcalfe, Caceres; Taggart, McGree; Duke.

Japan

Football betting sites are well aware of the quality Japan bring to the table in this battle. So, the Blue Samurais will cross the Pacific, hoping to take home a memorable win. 

However, they will look to improve on their last match’s performance, which saw them share the spoils with Saudi Arabia in a goalless draw. Japan were the dominant side, but they had little to show for their 12 attempts on goal, with only two troubling the Saudi shot-stopper. 

Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu knows his side must produce a better display against Australia to secure the victory. Based on what we have seen from his team in the past, the four time Asian champions are well-qualified to secure all three points on Thursday. 

Team News: Brighton star Karou Mitoma will not be available for Japan as he struggles with heel and back problems.

Predicted Lineup: Suzuki; Watanabe, Machida, Seko;  Yuito Suzuki, Endo, Sano, Morishita; Kubo, Kamada; Machino.

• Australia have not won against Japan since 2009.
• Japan have won six of their last 10 games against Australia and drew the other four.
• Both teams have scored in three of the last five Australia vs Japan matches.
• There have been 11 goals in the last five Australia vs Japan games.

Australia are unbeaten in their last three home games. They won twice and drew the other one, but against Japan, retaining that record could be difficult. The Socceroos lost 2-0 the last time these two teams met on Australian soil three years back. 

Japan have been Australia’s bogey time in recent history. However, Australia did force Japan to a one-all draw in their last meeting, but repeating that feat could be a tough ask. 

Japan will miss their Premier League ace Mitoma, but they still bring a formidable side to Australia, brimming with talents with European football experience. It seems unlikely that Australia will be able to avoid defeat this time around. 

Japan to win by two goals @ $7.25 

We have turned to bookmaker 20Bet to find the most lucrative betting offer for this match. Japan have scored 21 goals in their last six away games. Australia will be a difficult test, but they should still manage to outscore their Thursday hosts by two goals. With odds of $7.25 for this punt, it's great value.