Australia is ready to kick off their 2026 World Cup qualifying marketing campaign in Melbourne as they face Bangladesh on Thursday.
The guests have already superior by the primary stage of qualifying by narrowly defeating the Maldives within the playoffs.
Match Preview
After a drought of 32 years with out an look within the World Cup finals, Australia has grow to be a daily participant in soccer’s most prestigious occasion.
Spectacular performances within the final 5 tournaments, together with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the place they reached the knockout rounds for the second time, have solidified their standing as a formidable group.
Because the third-highest ranked group within the Asia part of qualifying, Australia is predicted to dominate a bunch that features Palestine, Lebanon, and Bangladesh.
A top-two end in Group I’d safe their development to the third and last stage of qualifying, in addition to a assured spot within the 2027 Asia Cup.
Graham Arnold’s aspect can be trying to safe consecutive victories after ending a four-game winless streak with a 2-0 conquer New Zealand of their final worldwide match in October.
However, Bangladesh secured their place within the second spherical of qualifying with a 3-2 combination victory over the Maldives.
A stoppage-time equalizer from Saad Uddin resulted in a 1-1 draw within the away leg, whereas targets from Rakib Hossain and Foysal Ahmed Fahim secured a 2-1 victory within the second leg.
Ranked 183rd within the FIFA World Rankings, Bangladesh enters the second stage of qualifying as clear underdogs.
Nevertheless, they’ve confirmed to be a resilient group, avoiding defeat in regulation time of their final seven matches.
However, their file of 11 losses of their final 15 away video games (with just one win and three attracts) in World Cup qualifying highlights the troublesome problem they face on Thursday.
Australia’s current type in all competitions features a win, two losses, a draw, and one other loss, adopted by a win.
However, Bangladesh’s type in World Cup qualifying – Asia features a draw and a win, whereas their total type consists of a win, a loss, and three attracts.
Staff Information:
Australia might discipline a center-back pairing of Harry Souttar and Cameron Burgess, with Ryan Pressure and Jordan Bos working as full-backs.
Mitchell Duke, who has scored in his final two J2 League matches for Machida Zelvia, will lead Australia’s assault.
Charlton goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer and Portsmouth ahead Kusini Yengi are the 2 uncapped gamers within the squad and will function among the many substitutes.
For Bangladesh, midfielder Sohel Rana will serve a one-match suspension following his pink card within the second-leg victory over the Maldives.
Teenage goalkeeper Mitul Marma will guard the objective, supported by defenders Uddin, Tariq Kazi, Bishwanath Ghosh, and Shakil Hossain. Rakib Hossain and Fahim will present the primary attacking risk for the guests.
Potential Beginning Lineups:
Australia:(4-4-1-1)
Ryan;
Pressure, Souttar, Burgess, Bos;
Boyle, Baccus, Irvine, Goodwin;
Metcalfe;
Duke
Bangladesh:(4-4-2)
Marma;
Kazi, Uddin, Ghosh, S Hossain;
Ridoy, MS Rana, Bhuyan, Rahman Jony;
R Hossain, Fahim
Prediction: Australia 4-0 Bangladesh
Given the huge distinction in rankings, with Australia positioned 156 locations greater than Bangladesh, we anticipate a cushty victory for the Socceroos. The house group’s superior ability and expertise ought to be evident on the pitch.