Socceroos World Cup play-offs: When, where and possible opponents as Australia try to qualify for Qatar – Sporting News

The Socceroos are once again bound for the World Cup play-offs after failing to qualify directly for Qatar.

Australia finished third in their group after a poor run saw them win just one of their last seven games.

That means they'll now have to navigate two play-off matches if they are to make a fifth-straight World Cup.

Here's what you need to know about what lies ahead for the Socceroos...

The Socceroos will face the United Arab Emirates in the AFC third-place play-off.

One win from seven games saw Australia finish third in their group, while UAE clinched the position after beating South Korea 1-0 in their final group game.

The AFC third-place play-off is currently scheduled to take place somewhere in Qatar on June 7 or 8 (AEST).

Unlike in 2017 when Australia beat Syria 3-2 on aggregate, all play-offs for the 2022 World Cup will consist of a single leg.

The winner of the AFC play-off will then back up one week later against Peru aftertheyfinished fifth in CONMEBOL qualifying.

The South Americans clinched the play-off place after beating Paraguay 2-0 on March 30 which saw them edge out Colombia by a single point.

Peru faced off against Australia at the 2018 World Cup in Russia where they claimed a 2-0 win.

The inter-continental play-off will also consist of a single leg played in Qatar.

Australia are no strangers to a World Cup play-off having experienced plenty of heartache and some ecstasy over the years.

In 2017, the Socceroos beat Syria 3-2 on aggregate in their AFC play-off before beating Honduras 3-1 across two legsin the inter-confederation play-off.

In 2005 and still part of the Oceania confederation, Australia faced off against Uruguay with their inter-continental play-off ending 1-1 after two legs before the green and gold triumphed 4-2 on penalties in Sydney.

The Socceroos had previously suffered plenty of pain in play-offs, falling short against Uruguay in 2001, Iran in 1997 and Argentina in 1993.

Australia, UAE and Peru have been given a placeholder spot in Group D for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Whichever nation triumphs in the final play-off game in June will then face France, Denmark and Tunisia in group matches later this year.

The Socceroos and Peru both faced off against France and Denmark at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

France and Denmark progressed from the group on that occasion and will be the favourites to do so again.

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Socceroos World Cup play-offs: When, where and possible opponents as Australia try to qualify for Qatar - Sporting News