Already with a five-point lead at the top of Group I, Australia play their fifth World Cup qualifying fixture on Thursday, meeting winless Bangladesh in Dhaka.
The Socceroos visit Bashundhara Kings Arena after back-to-back wins over Lebanon and are well on their way to the 2026 finals; their hosts are essentially playing only for pride.
Australia’s Dominance in Group I
Australia has been a dominant force in Group I, securing four wins from four matches, and have already guaranteed their spot in the next round of Asian World Cup qualifying. Graham Arnold’s squad began their journey towards the 2026 World Cup with an impressive 7-0 victory over Bangladesh, followed by a more challenging but successful 1-0 win against Palestine.
In March, after a somewhat disappointing quarter-final exit at the Asian Cup at the hands of South Korea, Australia resumed their qualifying campaign with a double-header against Lebanon. They secured a 2-0 win in Sydney and then showcased their attacking prowess with a 5-0 thrashing in Canberra, where Craig Goodwin scored twice.
So far, the Socceroos have not conceded a single goal, while scoring 15, ensuring their place in the third round of qualifiers. With the AFC nations allocated eight direct qualifying slots and an additional playoff place, Australia’s path to World Cup 2026 seems almost certain.
Bangladesh’s Struggles
In stark contrast, Bangladesh has faced significant struggles in Group I. Currently at the bottom of the group with just one point, the Bengal Tigers’ journey has been tough. Their campaign started with a heavy 7-0 defeat against Australia. They managed to secure a 1-1 draw against Lebanon, thanks to Shekh Morsalin’s equalizer in the 72nd minute, which was a rare highlight in their otherwise disappointing run.
March saw Bangladesh face Palestine in two matches. The first, held in Kuwait, ended in a 5-0 loss, and the second in Dhaka saw them narrowly miss out, losing 1-0 due to a late goal. Ranked 184th in the FIFA world rankings, Bangladesh has never appeared at a World Cup, and their only Asian Cup appearance was in 1980. For them, avoiding a heavy defeat against Australia would be considered a success.
Key Players to Watch
Australia: Craig Goodwin
Craig Goodwin has been a standout player for Australia in their qualifying campaign. His two goals against Lebanon in Canberra were crucial in securing the 5-0 victory. Known for his pace, dribbling skills, and ability to deliver accurate crosses, Goodwin is a key player in Australia’s attacking setup. His ability to score and assist makes him a significant threat to the Bangladesh defense.
Bangladesh: Shekh Morsalin
For Bangladesh, Shekh Morsalin’s goal against Lebanon was a rare bright spot. As a forward, his ability to find the back of the net, even against tough opposition, is vital for Bangladesh. Morsalin’s performance will be crucial if Bangladesh hopes to mount any challenge against the strong Australian side.
Tactical Approaches
Australia
Graham Arnold has employed a balanced approach, focusing on solid defense and quick transitions to attack. The Socceroos’ defensive stability, highlighted by their clean sheet record in the qualifiers, provides a strong foundation. In attack, they rely on the pace and creativity of players like Goodwin, along with a collective team effort to create and convert chances.
Bangladesh
Javier Cabrera’s team will likely adopt a defensive approach, aiming to limit the damage against a superior Australian side. Bangladesh’s focus will be on maintaining a compact shape, defending in numbers, and attempting to hit on the counterattack when opportunities arise. Set pieces could also provide a rare chance to trouble the Australian defense.
Match Prediction
Given the disparity in quality and form, Australia is the overwhelming favorite to secure a win. Their unbeaten run, coupled with Bangladesh’s struggles, suggests a comfortable victory for the Socceroos. However, football can be unpredictable, and Bangladesh will hope to put up a strong fight in front of their home crowd.
Conclusion
As Australia marches towards the 2026 World Cup, their encounter with Bangladesh represents another step in their qualifying journey. For Bangladesh, it’s a chance to play with pride and gain valuable experience against a top-tier team. While the odds heavily favor Australia, the match promises to showcase the contrasting journeys of two teams with very different objectives.
Tune in on Thursday to see if Australia continues their dominant run or if Bangladesh can defy the odds and put up a memorable fight.
