Australia's soccer chief says his country's entry next year into the Asian Football Confederation could lead to an annual tri-nation tournament with South Korea and Japan.

John O'Neill told AFP Wednesday that his country's move next year from the Oceania World Cup qualifying group to that of Asia will help develop fierce rivalries.

He predicted Australia's switch to the AFC will result in better competition and offer automatic qualification for the World Cup.

Australia will try to qualify for the World Cup from the Oceania group, but will do so from the Asian zone after next year.