In a remarkable display of football prowess, Australia and Japan demonstrated their dominance in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with resounding victories on Thursday. Australia delivered a commanding performance against Bangladesh, securing a 7-0 victory, while Japan equally impressed with a 5-0 thrashing of Myanmar.
Playing at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Australia set the tone early against Bangladesh. A crowd of 20,876 witnessed the home team’s relentless attack, starting with a goal in the fourth minute from Harry Souttar. The towering defender capitalized on a perfectly placed free-kick from Craig Goodwin to send a header past the Bangladeshi goalkeeper.
Brandon Borrello added to the tally in the 20th minute, skillfully converting a Connor Metcalfe cross. The momentum firmly with Australia, Mitchell Duke then scored two quickfire goals. His first came from another precise Metcalfe assist, and his second followed a thunderous shot from Borrello that ricocheted off the post.
The second half saw Jamie Maclaren, coming off the bench, take center stage with a hat-trick. His first goal came from a Jordan Bos cross, followed by a second where he capitalized on a deflection from the goalkeeper after a Massimo Luongo shot. Maclaren completed his hat-trick with a clinical finish, cementing Australia’s overwhelming victory.
Coach Graham Arnold acknowledged the team’s efficiency but emphasized the need for more ruthlessness in front of goal. He believed the scoreline could have been even more emphatic, given the numerous opportunities created.
Meanwhile, Japan hosted Myanmar in Osaka, kicking off their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 5-0 victory. Despite missing key player Kaoru Mitoma due to injury, Japan’s attack was relentless. Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda was the standout performer, scoring a hat-trick. Daichi Kamada and Ritsu Doan also found the back of the net, contributing to Japan’s impressive goal tally.
Japan’s victory marked their seventh consecutive win, during which they’ve scored 29 goals, showcasing their formidable attacking prowess. Coach Hajime Moriyasu, while pleased with the win, called for more creativity in creating scoring opportunities and a reduction in defensive lapses.
The Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup have certainly started on a high note for both Australia and Japan. Their commanding performances not only set the stage for their upcoming matches but also send a strong message to their competitors. With Australia looking to build on their legacy and Japan aiming for their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, both teams have shown they are formidable forces in the road to the World Cup.
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