Socceroo Aziz Behich excited that World Cup draw could set up rematch with Argentina

Eagerly anticipating the World Cup draw, Aziz Behich can't help but dream of settling some unfinished business with Argentina.

In Qatar in 2022, Behich and Garang Kuol were denied late chances to equalise against eventual champions Argentina as the Socceroos' golden run ended in the round of 16.

In the draw for next year's global showpiece, to be held on Saturday at 4am (AEDT), Argentina will be in Pot 1 with the Socceroos in Pot 2, making for a one-in-12 shot at a group stage reunion.

"Look, that would be great if we get another shot at them," Behich told AAP.

"That's football — the game can turn so quick. And we had two opportunities to make that game something special.

"But that whole campaign was just special in general, the way we got out of the group there, and I'd love to be a part of something like that again.

"And why not take it one more step forward in a World Cup?"

Landing in Pot 2 should help Australia avoid any "group of death'' scenarios — but Behich doesn't care.

"I've really never believed in a group of death or anything like that because if a team's at the World Cup, they're there for a reason," he said.

"That means they're the best in their area and they qualified. Come the World Cup, they're one-off games, so for me, any game's a tough game.

"Anything's possible when it comes to football and it's proven week in, week out, not just at international level.

"We showed that in the last World Cup. No one gave us a chance in Qatar and we went out swinging against the champions of that World Cup — and we could have snagged something there in that game as well.

"So whatever group comes, it's a challenge — but if there's one thing that us Aussies pride ourselves on, it's performing with our backs against the wall against the best.

"So it's more of just excitement and a 'bring it on' type mentality."

Behich hopes an expanded 48-team tournament minimises the chance of a third consecutive World Cup group involving France and Denmark.

"It'd be nice, obviously, to get a different draw because the last two World Cups had a few of the same teams," he said.

There will clearly be far more travel than the 2022 Doha tournament, with games sprawled across Canada, the United States and Mexico — a challenge Behich welcomes.

Melbourne City skipper Behich, who missed the Socceroos' last window with a hamstring injury, is determined to reach a third World Cup, and compete with Jordy Bos for the starting left-back role.

"When it comes to the national team, there's always competition and it's healthy for the team," he said.

"So it's one thing I don't shy away from. I just believe in my own ability, what I'm capable of."

Behich won't watch the draw live, given it's game day for Melbourne City in Newcastle, but will catch up with it when he wakes up.

"I'll be straight on the TV to have a look at the draw, and it'll be exciting to see who our opponents will be for the first phase," he said.

"When the draw comes out, then the countdown begins.

"If you put all sports together, the World Cup is the pinnacle of everything.

"It's the biggest event in the world — pretty much the whole world's watching when it comes around.

"So hopefully I'm in good stead come selection time and I can go around one more time."

AAP