The Socceroos’ first opponent at this year’s FIFA World Cup will be either Turkiye or Kosovo.
In Friday morning’s European World Cup playoff semi-finals, the Turks defeated Romania 1-0, while the Kosovars caused an upset, beating Slovakia 4-3 in Bratislava.
Kosovo will now host Turkiye on Wednesday morning (AEDT) in Pristina, with the winner to advance to the June-July World Cup and join Australia, tournament co-hosts United States and Paraguay in Group D.
Australia’s opening Group D game will be against the Turks or the Kosovars on June 14 (AEDT) in Vancouver.
Meanwhile, the Graham Arnold-coached Iraq will need to beat Bolivia on Wednesday morning in Mexico to qualify for the World Cup.
The South Americans came from a goal down to beat Suriname 2-1 on Friday morning in an inter-confederation playoff.
Former Socceroos coach Arnold has the Iraqis on the cusp of qualifying for their first World Cup since the 1986 edition of the tournament in Mexico.
“It’s (been) 40 years – it’s time again,” Arnold said.
“I’m asking the boys to focus on something that will make 46 million people proud in Iraq.
“We have one focus, one purpose on doing the job, and that’s winning this game.
“It’s time to switch on.”
