Match Report
Australia earned a valuable point in FIFA World Cup 2026™ Round Three qualifying after their game with Japan ended 1-1 at Saitama Stadium 2002 on Tuesday night.
On a warm evening in Saitama, Tony Popovic’s side built on their positive display against China PR in Adelaide last week, with another promising performance against Group C leaders, Japan.
In a hard-fought encounter with Samurai Blue, it looked like the Socceroos might secure a historic win in Saitama, after taking the lead through a Shogo Taniguchi own goal, before Cam Burgess was unfortunate to deflect the ball into his own net to give Japan a share of the spoils.
Team News
Australia Head Coach Tony Popovic made six changes to the side that beat China PR 3-1 last Thursday with Jason Geria, Cam Burgess, Jordy Bos, Riley McGree, Ajdin Hrustic and Luke Brattan - making his Socceroos debut - all coming into the starting eleven. Thomas Deng, Kye Rowles, Aziz Behich, Aiden O’Neill, Nestory Irankunda and Craig Goodwin made way.
Australia lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation - the same system they used in the second half against China PR.
Japan also opted for their customary 3-4-2-1 structure, with coach Hajime Moriyasu making two changes from the Samurai Blue team that beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 last week, with Takefusa Kubo and Ao Tanaka replacing captain Wataru Endo and Daichi Kamada.
First Half
After a cagey start to proceedings, Japan managed the first shot of the game in the sixth minute, with tricky winger Takefusa Kubo striking the side netting from a narrow angle.
