When the Socceroos take to Optus Stadium on June 5 against Japan, Australian assistant coach Hayden Foxe hopes his side will still have their World Cup destiny in their hands.

And while Foxe was adamant the Socceroos were not looking too far into the future, he wants fans to fill the stadium for what could be the game they punch their ticket to their sixth successive FIFA World Cup.

While Japan currently lead the qualification group by nine points, Australia have a one-point lead over the other four teams in the chase for the second automatic qualifying spot for the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

The Japan game will be the Socceroos’ penultimate qualifier — and last home match — of this qualification phase, with a trip to Saudi Arabia to immediately follow, and if the cards fall their way, they could clinch qualification in Perth.

Foxe knows exactly what a packed to the rafters Optus Stadium looks, feels and sounds like; prior to following Tony Popovic into the Socceroos set-up, he was Popovic’s assistant when Perth Glory lost 1-0 to Sydney FC in the 2019 A-League Men grand final in front of 56,371 fans.

“Unfortunately we were on the the wrong end of the right result for us that night, but the support we received from the Perth Glory fans and the people of Perth was fantastic,” Foxe said.

“It gave everyone a big lift. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the job done, but we know the people will be coming to support us in a very important phase of our qualification.”

While wins over Indonesia and China in March would give the Socceroos the edge in the race for second spot, Foxe said the Japan game would be critical regardless.

“They’re all crucial; no different, each and every one. 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,” he said.

“Hopefully we’re in a position that it will be an opportunity for us to be that next step closer to the World Cup, and that’s what you’re getting.”

Popovic was installed as Socceroos coach following Graham Arnold’s shock resignation in September, and despite a limited preparation, was able to guide Australia to a 1-1 draw against the world number 15 Japan in the reverse fixture.

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

“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.”

Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti said the government would continue to pursue national team games, with the Matildas already locked in to return to Perth for the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup.

“We sat down with Football Australia and said we’re very keen on content — we believe the international game has an incredible ability to bring tourists and expose Western Australia to markets around Asia and around Europe,” she said.

“WA is well-placed geographically to be a host of the Socceroos and the Matildas, but the Socceroos have got a lot of players who play in Europe, so they’re able to get a direct flight back to Perth.

“WA geographically, logistically, is well-placed to be the home of not only Socceroos games, but other aspects of the Socceroos, and we’re very keen to do what we can.”

While Perth-raised defender Alessandro Circati is likely to miss the Japan match as he recovers from a torn ACL, Foxe said it was good seeing another WA product in Cam Burgess establish himself in the English Premier League.

After not featuring in Ipswich’s first seven matches back in the EPL following their promotion back into the top flight, Burgess has played 90 minutes in eight out of their last nine games.

“I’m sure Cam will be excited if selected and if he has opportunity to play. It’s like any moment for any young kid dreaming to be a Socceroo, to come play in their home state,” Foxe said.