Five new Socceroo faces for crunch World Cup clashes

The Australians will face Japan in Saitama at the end of this month before returning to Melbourne to play Thailand on September 5 in their final group match.

The squad includes 22 players who went to the Confederations Cup in Russia, alongside newcomers Matthew Jurman, James Jeggo, Awer Mabil, Riley McGree and Danny Vukovic.

"We haven't strayed too far from the players who went to the Confederations Cup and who we have had on the radar for a while, so not a great deal of change at this stage," coach Ange Postecoglou said.

"There are a few new faces as well to have a look at, but overall pretty pleased with the shape we are in."

Postecoglou said he expected the August 31 game against Japan, who currently top their Group B table with 17 points, to be a "great challenge".

"We are looking forward to going over there and hopefully getting three points which will put us in great shape for qualification," he added.

Unbeaten Australia are third on the table with 16 points, behind Saudi Arabia on goal difference and one spot outside the automatic qualifying spots for the World Cup in Russia next year.