Socceroos won’t be daunted by history ahead of crucial World Cup qualifier in Japan

The Socceroos are ignoring history as they embark on what has been their mission impossible.

Australia have never beaten Japan in Japan, which is the next frontier for new coach Tony Popovic and his players.

In seven past meetings against Japan on their home soil, the Socceroos have four losses and three draws.

And the Australians haven’t beaten Japan anywhere for 15 years entering Tuesday night’s World Cup qualifier in Saitama, about 30km north of Tokyo.

“No one is even mentioning the record of what we have in Japan against Japan,” Socceroos striker Mitch Duke said.

“We’re just approaching the game coming up and making sure that we get the result and the job done and focus on the preparation building up to that.

“I have literally not heard any of the boys or the coaching staff or anyone mention about our previous history. It’s about what we do on Tuesday.”

Japan, world No.16 and the highest-ranked Asian football nation, sit atop the group in the third phase of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

The Samurai Blue have won all of their three games and world No.25 Australia sit second in the group on goal difference with a win, a draw and a loss.

And while most Australian pundits believe taking a point in Japan would be an accomplishment, Duke has other ideas for what will be Popovic’s second game as national coach.

“Once all the boys got together in camp, the boss got us together and started speaking about his expectations, what he wants out of the group, and what he wants us to do as individuals to prepare for games,” Duke said.

“There’s no reason why we can’t beat anyone on our day.

“And we need to have that belief and that’s the approach.

“We’re not going to this with a point mentality and just to not lose, we’re going there for the three points.”

The fixture will be a sort of homecoming for Duke, currently in his second stint of playing in Japan.

The frontman spent three years with Shimizu S-Pulse from 2015 and returned to Japan in 2021 with Fagiano Okayama before transferring to Machida Zelvia last year.

“There’s an extra special feeling with me actually because I do call Japan almost like my second home,” the 33-year-old said.

“I have literally spent most of my career playing over there so for me it’s a special game.

“It will be a packed crowd, amazing atmosphere ... the boys are going to embrace the atmosphere, I’m sure.”

Seven games remain in the qualifying round for the ‘26 cup in North America.

After Japan, Australia’s next assignment is against Saudi Arabia in Melbourne on November 15 before an away clash against Bahrain on November 20.