What’s next for the Socceroos?

The Socceroos may have missed out on automatic qualification for the FIFA World Cup, but it is not the end of the line.

The journey continues in June, with two single-leg encounters on neutral territory in Doha, Qatar.

With AFC issued 4.5 slots for the final tournament by FIFA, Australia is still only two wins away from qualification, albeit through the play-offs.

There the Socceroos will play against United Arab Emirates for the chance to face Peru in an Intercontinental Play-off - with the winner advancing to this year's tournament.

Australia is no stranger to this method having competed in nine play-offs in the nation’s history, qualifying for the World Cup three times in this way.

As attention turns to June, we answer all of your questions moving forward. 

What's our next game?

Australia now goes into a one-legged play-off against the United Arab Emirates, who finished third in Group A.

The match was originally scheduled to be a traditional two-legged home-and-away tie, but due to COVID-19 forcing delays, the play-off has changed to a one-off match on a neutral ground.

The match will be held in Qatar, Doha on Tuesday, 7 June, with the winner advancing to the intercontinental play-off. 

What if we win that?

A play-off against Peru - the fifth-placed CONMEBOL side - awaits the victors of the AFC Play-off.

That will also be a one-off match played in Qatar, with the winner securing their place in the FIFA World Cup.

Peru maintained their place above the likes of Colombia and Chile with a victory at home to Paraguay on Wednesday morning (AEDT). 

Like Australia, the South American outfit are no strangers to taking the long route to the World Cup, having defeated New Zealand to seal their place at the 2018 edition - where the two nations met in their final group game. 

Three Peruvian players surround Daniel Arzani in the game in Sochi.
Australia faced Peru back at the 2018 World Cup, and with a win over the UAE, would meet again in June

Who could we face at the World Cup? 

While Australia will be playing for one of the three undecided places at the FIFA World Cup in June, the draw will be revealed on Friday, April 1. 

Doha will host the formalities at 7pm local time (3am AEDT), with participants in the AFC / CONMEBOL qualifier set to find out their prospective opponents at November &  December's tournament. 

Stay tuned to Socceroos.com.au and the team's social channels for further information surrounding the draw.