Football Australia chairman Chris Nikou has stressed they won't be left "destitute" should the Socceroos fail to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Graham Arnold's side need to beat both Japan and Saudi Arabia this month to automatically progress to the tournament.
A 2-2 draw against Oman last time out means anything less than two wins will likely mean Australia would once again have to qualify via the play-offs.
As things stand, the United Arab Emirates and Peru would await the Socceroos in two knockout games for one place in Qatar.
After a strong start to qualifying, Arnold's side have won just one of their last five matches to cast doubt on their ability to reach a fifth-straight World Cup.
While Nikou remains hopeful, he believes the Socceroos have faced a complicated qualifying route and that the FA are in a good position to deal with any shortcomings.
"It was a very strange campaign. You've got COVID, home games in Doha...you've got Aziz Behich can't make it because he got snowed in at Istanbul," Nikou said on the Football From A To Z Podcast.
"These are really bizarre, unusual things so it's been a really difficult road but it is what it is and we're still in it.
"Certainly we want to qualify because it's got a significant financial upside, it won't leave us destitute if we don't, but our ambition is to qualify.
"I think with other elements of the sport we've got a buffet if you like and some protection but we certainly want to qualify."
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After a six-week break, Australia will return to action later this month at Stadium Australia against Japan with Nikou calling for full fan support in arguably the trickier of the two qualifiers that remain considering the state of the group.
Japan are three points ahead of the Socceroos in second place but boast an inferior goal difference, while leaders Saudi Arabia can qualify for Qatar with a win against China in their next match.
"It comes down to Japan in the first instance. Sydney on the 24th. We really need the Socceroos community to come and shout the house down," Nikou said.
"You get a result there and you go to Saudi Arabia and it's in your hands.
"We're in Jeddah and not Riyadh. I think from what I'm told it's a little bit more friendly for the Australian players.
"If the cards fall our way, the Saudis might already be through. Might be a blessing, might go the other way..."