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Japan have already qualified for the 2026 edition of the tournament but will still pose a significant threat to Australia - even if a handful of first-choice players have been left behind.
Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace) and Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad) are just some of the household names expected to feature at Optus Stadium, where a victory for Australia would all but guarantee their qualification.
The Socceroos currently sit three points ahead of Saudi Arabia - and also hold a superior goal difference of nine goals over their rivals - to occupy the second and final automatic qualification spot, with two matches remaining in the third round of AFC qualifying.
Should Australia prevail over Japan, the Green Falcons must beat Bahrain if their bid is to go down to their final match against Tony Popovic’s men, where only a significant swing in goal difference would change their fate.
Problem is: it has been 16 years since Australia last won a match against Japan - when Tim Cahill’s double sealed a comeback 2-1 win at the MCG.
It’s a drought the Socceroos are hoping to end on Thursday night, but it’s one Mat Ryan is paying little attention to.
In fact, according to the experienced shot-stopper, it is Japan who should be worried.
“In my eyes, we’re the best in Asia,” Ryan said on Monday.
“If you don’t believe you’re the best, you’re failing at the first hurdle.
“You’ve got to go out there and believe you can overcome whatever challenge is in front of you.
“Obviously there’s a fine line about being arrogant and complacent, or anything like that, we obviously respect every opposition that we play against.
“But I have full belief that myself and my teammates within the squad can go out there and do the job.”
Ryan did not feature the last time the two sides met, but the 33-year-old was encouraged by the 1-1 draw his teammates secured in Saitama last October.
And now, buoyed by an intense training camp in Abu Dhabi, Ryan believes the Socceroos are well prepared to prove his point and secure a vital victory in front of an expectant crowd.
“No doubt they’re a formidable opponent - they have got great players playing in some of the best competitions in the world,” Ryan added.
“But at the end of the day, when we step over that white line, we’re all human and equal in that regard but we’ll try to tap into that winning experience and recreate that as often as we can.
“When we go out there on Thursday night, we’re going to try and put everything into place and get the job done for our great country.”
