OZ in same group as Japan and Thailand for World Cup qualifiers

The other teams in Group B are Iraq, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, in the 10-match home-and-away series with a place amongst the world’s best 32 teams in Russia up for grabs.

Australia will kick off their Group B campaign with a home clash against Iraq on 1 September 2016 with this stage of World Cup qualifying coming to an end in September 2017.

The top two teams from both groups will progress directly to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia with the two 3rd-placed countries facing off home and away in the Asian play-off on 5 and 10 October 2017.

The winner of the Asian playoff will then face a CONCACAF nation home and away on 6 and 14 November 2017 for the final place at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Australian Head Coach Ange Postecoglou, who attended the draw in Kuala Lumpur along with FFA CEO David Gallop, said: “It’s good to know the draw so we have a clear picture of what is in front of us from a football and logistics perspective to qualify for the World Cup,” Postecoglou said.

“Over the last two years we have built up a very strong portfolio of information on most nations and its players by having scouts at matches and tournaments all over Asia so the players go into every match well prepared. That information will be sharpened and expanded now we know that we face Japan, Iraq, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Thailand.

“As Champions of Asia we will show due respect to all countries but focused on continuing our journey that has aspirations greater than simply qualifying for the World Cup.”

Group A are Iran, Korea Republic, Uzbekistan, China, Qatar and Syria.

Australia 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers:

Match Day 1 – HOME – Thursday, 01 Sep 16 – Australia v Iraq

Match Day 2 – AWAY – Tuesday, 06 Sep 16 – UAE v Australia

Match Day 3 – AWAY – Thursday, 06 Oct 16 – Saudia Arabia v Australia

Match Day 4 – HOME – Tuesday, 11 Oct 16 – Australia v Japan

Match Day 5 – AWAY – Tuesday, 15 Nov 16 – Thailand v Australia

Match Day 6 – AWAY – Thursday, 23 Mar 17 – Iraq v Australia

Match Day 7 – HOME – Tuesday, 28 Mar 17 – Australia v UAE

Match Day 8 – HOME – Thursday, 08 Jun 17 – Australia v Saudia Arabia

Match Day 9 – AWAY – Thursday, 31 Aug 17 – Japan v Australia

Match Day 10 – HOME – Tuesday, 05 Sep 17 – Australia v Thailand

*Venue and kick off details will be confirmed at a later date