Australia at the FIFA World Cup 2026

History

Australia first appeared at the World Cup in 1974 and qualified for their sixth consecutive tournament in 2026. Their best results came at Germany 2006, where they reached the round of 16 before falling to eventual champions Italy, and again at Qatar 2022, where they defeated Tunisia and Denmark in the group stage and came close against eventual champions Argentina in the round of 16 (losing 2-1). Australia has never won the World Cup and has never advanced beyond the round of 16.

Qualification

Australia qualified directly for the 2026 World Cup through the AFC third-round qualifying, finishing second in Group C behind Japan. The Socceroos were drawn into Group C alongside Japan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, China, and Indonesia. A key result was Australia's 1-0 win over Japan in Perth on June 5, 2025, secured by a last-minute Aziz Behich penalty. This was Australia's first direct World Cup qualification since 2014, ending reliance on inter-confederation playoffs, and represents their sixth consecutive finals appearance.

Preparation

Australia's World Cup 2026 campaign ended in the round of 32. After finishing second in Group D (2-0 win over Turkiye, 2-0 loss to USA, 0-0 draw with Paraguay), the Socceroos drew 1-1 with Egypt at Dallas Stadium, Arlington on 3 July, with Mohamed Hany's own goal cancelling out an early Emam Ashour strike, before losing 4-2 on penalties. Jordan Bos suffered a suspected serious left knee injury in the first half and was replaced by Kai Trewin. Tony Popovic remains head coach through the AFC Asian Cup 2027.

Latest news

Mitch Duke announces retirement from international football

· general

Striker Mitch Duke, who missed the 2026 squad, retired from the Socceroos after 50 caps and 13 goals since 2013, including the winner vs Saudi Arabia in qualifying and Australia's goal vs Tunisia at Qatar 2022. Duke: 'To have gone on to represent my country 50 times is a dream come true.' Popovic: 'Not many players reach the 50-cap milestone, fewer have scored at a World Cup.'

Cammy Devlin signs two-year deal with Rangers after Hearts exit

· general

Midfielder Cameron (Cammy) Devlin, an unused substitute in all four of Australia's World Cup matches, signed a two-year contract (with a further option year) with Rangers, reuniting with former Hearts manager Derek McInnes, subject to international clearance. Devlin: 'To call myself a Rangers player now feels pretty special and I just cannot wait to get started.'

Jordan Bos suffers suspected serious knee injury vs Egypt

· injuries

Left-back Jordan Bos was forced off in the first half of the round of 32 loss to Egypt with a suspected serious left knee injury, leaving the field on crutches in a knee brace and replaced by Kai Trewin. Popovic: 'He's struggling, so it was a big loss for us,' noting the challenge that caused it wasn't even a yellow card. Bos had featured in every match at the tournament before the injury.

Egypt eliminate Australia 4-2 on penalties in round of 32

· matches

Australia's World Cup ended in the round of 32, losing 4-2 on penalties to Egypt after a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes at Dallas Stadium. Emam Ashour put Egypt ahead (13'); Mohamed Hany's own goal levelled it (55'). Beach saved a header from Rami Rabia to force extra time. Irvine and Mabil scored Australia's penalties; Souttar and Herrington missed; Hossam Abdelmaguid converted the winner.

Leckie and Italiano ruled out for the remainder of World Cup 2026

· injuries

Football Australia confirmed Mathew Leckie (hamstring) and Jacob Italiano (adductor) will miss the rest of the tournament, both leaving the squad after the 0-0 draw with Paraguay: Leckie returned to Melbourne, Italiano to Austria to rejoin Grazer AK. Australia continue with 24 players. Behich: 'I'm gutted for him. I saw firsthand this year what he had to do to get back on that pitch.'

Australia to face Egypt in Round of 32 on 3 July at Dallas Stadium

· general

Following their Group D progression, Australia will play Egypt in the Round of 32 at AT&T Stadium, Arlington (Dallas), Texas, on Friday 3 July (1:00pm local / 4:00am AEST 4 July). Egypt finished second in Group G. This is only the third meeting between the nations and their first World Cup encounter. The Socceroos will be chasing their maiden knockout-stage win at the World Cup.

Paraguay 0-0 Australia: Socceroos advance to Round of 32 as Group D runners-up; Herrington historic debut

· matches

Australia drew 0-0 vs Paraguay at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, 2nd in Group D (4 pts). Popovic made 6 changes. Lucas Herrington (18y 294d), Australia's youngest WC starter. Australia 0.58 xG (12 shots), Paraguay 0.25 (7). Chances: Irvine (4'), Volpato parried (HT), Bos wide (89'), Beach saved Mauricio (90+'). Popovic: 'We tried to win the game. In the end, a draw was enough for both nations.'

Italiano ruled out vs Paraguay with adductor injury; Leckie also unavailable with hamstring

· injuries

Italiano (right wing-back in both Group D matches) ruled out vs Paraguay with adductor injury from training. Popovic: 'Jacob, unfortunately, won't be available. I think it's an adductor injury.' Extent to be confirmed. Leckie also out (hamstring, USA game). Okon: 'Mat Leckie will be out of this game. What happens post-Paraguay will determine what happens with his rehab.'

Leckie hamstring confirmed; did not train Monday as Socceroos prepare for Paraguay

· injuries

Leckie's injury vs USA (19 June) confirmed as a hamstring issue. He did not train on 22 June. Geria: 'He's travelling OK' but extent unknown. Jedinak had no update beyond Leckie being with the squad. Australia faces Paraguay on 26 June at Santa Clara; a win or draw guarantees progression.

Leckie forced off with injury vs USA; Volpato makes World Cup debut as replacement

· injuries

Mathew Leckie was forced off with an unspecified injury approximately 60 minutes into Australia's 2-0 loss to the USA on 19 June, replaced by Cristian Volpato making his World Cup debut. The nature and severity of the injury were not disclosed in official reports. Leckie had started the match at right wing-back.

USA 2-0 Australia: Burgess OG and Freeman goal hand hosts victory in Seattle

· matches

Australia lost 2-0 to co-hosts USA at Lumen Field, Seattle. Burgess deflected Balogun's cross into his own net (11'); Freeman added a second (43', VAR confirmed after offside flag). Popovic made a halftime triple substitution; Australia improved in the second half but couldn't score. Popovic: 'I thought the referee gave too many fouls away.' Qualification remains in their hands.

Popovic confirms full squad fit for USA, Toure calf 'ought to be fine'

· squad

Ahead of Australia's Group D clash with the USA at Lumen Field, Seattle (19 June), coach Tony Popovic confirmed all 26 players are fit and available: 'Everyone's fit and available, which is a real positive for us.' Reports indicate Mohamed Toure, who suffered a calf scare against Turkey, ought to be fit to feature.

Souttar ahead of USA: 'It takes a long time to grow that belief'

· general

Harry Souttar, who captained Australia in pre-tournament play, spoke ahead of the USA clash about the team's defensive solidity and belief built under Popovic, noting the combination of exciting young talent and experienced players. Trewin downplayed US media criticism, saying players treated dismissive pundit clips humorously rather than seriously.

Circati reveals friendship with Pulisic ahead of USA showdown

· general

Defender Alessandro Circati revealed his friendship with US star Christian Pulisic, describing him as 'a great player' and 'probably their best player.' The two previously faced each other when Parma defeated Milan 2-1 in August 2024.

Toure suffers left calf scare during Turkey win; feared possible tear

· injuries

Striker Mohamed Toure was substituted in the second half of Australia's 2-0 win over Turkey after clutching his left calf. Toure told media: 'I thought it was worse than it was, because it just came out of nowhere, and it could be a tear.' Popovic said: 'It's a bit sore now, so we'll see in the week off.' Popovic indicated Toure would be put on ice during the five-day break before the USA match.

Australia 2-0 Turkiye: Beach's 8 saves and Irankunda's historic goal seal stunning opener

· matches

Australia defeated Turkiye 2-0 at BC Place, Vancouver (att. 52,497). Irankunda (27') became Australia's youngest-ever World Cup scorer; Metcalfe added a second (75'). Surprise starter Beach made 8 saves (most in the tournament to that point), tipping Bardakci's drive onto the post. Turkey had 72% possession and 30 shots; Australia made 55 clearances. Irankunda won player of the match.

Toure cleared fit after returning to Socceroos training, allaying World Cup fears

· squad

Striker Mohamed Toure returned to full training Thursday at the Socceroos' Oakland base, clearing concerns ahead of the Turkiye opener. Aziz Behich: 'He's fine, running about, full of energy.' Jacob Italiano: 'Mo was there. Mo was fit. Mo is healthy. It's all good.'

Toure absent from Wednesday Socceroos training session, raising fitness concerns

· squad

Toure attended the pre-session team photo but did not participate in training at the Socceroos' Alameda base on Wednesday. No explanation was given; officials said he would train Thursday. Jordan Bos: 'It was during training where I noticed he wasn't in there.' Alternatives if unavailable: Yengi, Irankunda, Velupillay, or Leckie.

Behich reflects on Turkish-Cypriot roots ahead of Socceroos' opener against Turkiye

· general

Aziz Behich, born in Melbourne's Broadmeadows to Turkish-Cypriot immigrants, reflected on facing Turkey in the World Cup opener. He grew up supporting Galatasaray and played for Bursaspor, Istanbul Basaksehir (league title), Kayserispor and Giresunspor. He said: 'When it comes to football, the passion, media, football is the number one sport' - a contrast to Australia.

Tony Popovic signs contract extension to lead Socceroos through AFC Asian Cup 2027

· coach

Football Australia confirmed Popovic signed an extension through the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, announced on the eve of the World Cup opener. He will become the first to represent Australia as both player and head coach at a World Cup. Popovic: 'I'm delighted that I will continue to coach the Socceroos through to the AFC Asian Cup 2027.'

Socceroos stay calm in Oakland base camp as Foxe shields players from outside noise

· general

From the Socceroos' Oakland-area base camp, assistant coach Hayden Foxe described a relaxed atmosphere where players "feel free, express themselves and be who they are," and said staff try to shield them from "outside noise, especially with social media and media." The remarks came amid wider World Cup disruption, including a Somali referee being denied entry to the United States.

Popovic's trust drives Socceroos squad ahead of World Cup opener

· general

Socceroos players spoke about Tony Popovic's man-management. Popovic said he picks players who "want to get better every day" and will "do anything" for those with the right attitude. Goalkeeper Paul Izzo said the coach challenges him on and off the pitch, while forward Nishan Velupillay said "every player wants a coach who believes in them" and that Popovic believes in all 26 he picked.

Australia draw 1-1 with Switzerland in final World Cup warm-up; Yengi scores on debut

· matches

In their last pre-tournament friendly, Australia drew 1-1 with Switzerland at Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego (att. 6,107). Dan Ndoye put Switzerland ahead (14') before substitute Tete Yengi equalised on his Socceroos debut (56'). Cristian Volpato also debuted (started, off at half-time); Harry Souttar captained the youngest XI of Popovic's tenure (avg age 24.6). Popovic reported no injuries.

Geria reflects on first World Cup call-up at 33 after eight years away

· general

Defender Jason Geria, 33, of Albirex Niigata spoke about his first World Cup selection, eight years after his only previous Socceroos cap in 2016 and his recall under Tony Popovic in October 2024. Geria described an emotional reaction ("a lot of tears, a lot of emotions") and credited Popovic, his former Melbourne Victory manager, with instilling belief. No injury or squad change was reported.

Popovic names final 26-man Socceroos squad, the second-youngest ever

· squad

Tony Popovic named Australia's final 26-player World Cup squad on 1 June, submitted to FIFA by the deadline. With an average age of 26.8 it is the second-youngest Socceroos World Cup squad ever (behind 2014), featuring 17 tournament debutants and eight players aged 23 or under. Five A-Leagues-based players were included.

Uncapped Volpato and Yengi selected; Boyle, Gauci, Rowles and Borrello miss out

· squad

Two uncapped players made the squad: Sassuolo's Cristian Volpato, who switched allegiance from Italy in May 2026, and Machida Zelvia striker Tete Yengi, who only joined camp on 26 May. Forward Martin Boyle, goalkeeper Joe Gauci, defender Kye Rowles and forward Brandon Borrello were the notable omissions.

Mexico 1-0 Australia in final pre-squad friendly at the Rose Bowl

· matches

Australia lost 1-0 to co-hosts Mexico in a friendly at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on 30 May, a day before the squad announcement. Johan Vasquez headed the only goal in the 28th minute before 78,479 fans. Mathew Leckie (first start since Nov 2024) and Harry Souttar (first appearance since Dec 2024) returned, and 18-year-old Lucas Herrington started in the back three.

Squad

PlayerPositionClub
Mathew RyanGKLevante
Paul IzzoGKRanders FC
Patrick BeachGKMelbourne City
Milos DegenekDFAPOEL FC
Harry SouttarDFLeicester City
Cameron BurgessDFSwansea City
Aziz BehichDFMelbourne City
Jordan BosDFFeyenoord
Alessandro CircatiDFParma
Kai TrewinDFNew York City FC
Jason GeriaDFAlbirex Niigata
Lucas HerringtonDFColorado Rapids
Jacob ItalianoDFGrazer AK
Jackson IrvineMFSt. Pauli
Connor MetcalfeMFSt. Pauli
Ajdin HrusticMFHeracles Almelo
Aiden O'NeillMFNew York City FC
Cameron DevlinMFHeart of Midlothian
Paul Okon-EngstlerMFSydney FC
Nestory IrankundaFWWatford
Mathew LeckieFWMelbourne City
Awer MabilFWCD Castellón
Nishan VelupillayFWMelbourne Victory
Cristian VolpatoFWSassuolo
Mohamed ToureFWNorwich City
Tete YengiFWMachida Zelvia

Recent results

  • 2023-11-16 — AUS 7-0 BAN (qualification)
  • 2023-11-21 — PLE 0-1 AUS (qualification)
  • 2024-01-06 — BHR 0-2 AUS (friendly)
  • 2024-03-21 — AUS 2-0 LBN (qualification)
  • 2024-03-26 — AUS 5-0 LBN (qualification)
  • 2024-06-06 — BAN 0-2 AUS (qualification)
  • 2024-06-11 — AUS 5-0 PLE (qualification)
  • 2024-09-05 — AUS 0-1 BHR (qualification)
  • 2024-09-10 — IDN 0-0 AUS (qualification)
  • 2024-10-10 — AUS 3-1 CHN (qualification)
  • 2024-10-15 — JPN 1-1 AUS (qualification)
  • 2024-11-14 — AUS 0-0 KSA (qualification)
  • 2024-11-19 — BHR 2-2 AUS (qualification)
  • 2025-03-20 — AUS 5-1 IDN (qualification)
  • 2025-03-25 — CHN 0-2 AUS (qualification)
  • 2025-06-05 — AUS 1-0 JPN (qualification)
  • 2025-06-10 — KSA 1-2 AUS (qualification)
  • 2025-10-10 — CAN 0-1 AUS (friendly)
  • 2025-10-14 — USA 2-1 AUS (friendly)
  • 2025-11-14 — AUS 0-1 VEN (friendly)
  • 2025-11-18 — COL 3-0 AUS (friendly)
  • 2026-06-13 — TUR 0-2 AUS (group)
  • 2026-06-19 — USA 2-0 AUS (group)
  • 2026-06-26 — PAR 0-0 AUS (group)
  • 2026-07-03 — AUS 1-1 EGY (round_of_32)

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