The World Cup is a unique time in football, and the 2026 edition in the United States, Mexico, and Canada brings fresh excitement for Socceroos fans. Whether you are a die-hard follower or a once-every-four-years supporter, this guide covers everything you need to follow Australia's campaign from home. All times are in Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).
How to Watch the Socceroos at the World Cup
Every match of the tournament will be broadcast live on SBS and SBS Viceland, with streaming available via SBS On Demand. The Guardian will also provide live coverage through blogs, reports, analysis, and podcasts from a team of 15 correspondents across the host nations and Australia.
Kick-Off Times for Socceroos Group Matches
The group stage fixtures offer reasonable viewing hours for Australians, with matches scheduled between 5am and 2pm AEST. Here is the full schedule:
- Sunday 14 June: Australia vs Turkey, 2pm AEST, BC Place Vancouver
- Saturday 20 June: USA vs Australia, 5am AEST, Seattle Stadium
- Friday 26 June: Paraguay vs Australia, 12pm AEST, San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
The top two teams from each group advance to the Round of 32, along with the eight best third-placed teams. Potential knockout matches for Australia, depending on their group finish, include games on 30 June, 1 July, 2 July, and 4 July at various US venues.
Live Sites Across Australia
Fans can gather at numerous live sites to watch the action. Key locations include:
- New South Wales: Parramatta Square, Tumbalong Park, Allianz Stadium, and many regional venues like Jamberoo Pub.
- Victoria: Federation Square, AAMI Park, Marvel Stadium, and regional sites in Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Traralgon, and Shepparton.
- Other states: The Drive in Adelaide, Northbridge Piazza in Perth, Southbank in Brisbane, and Darwin Football Stadium.
Group D and the Competition
Australia is in Group D alongside co-hosts USA, Paraguay, and Turkey. According to FIFA rankings, USA is the highest-ranked team at 16th, followed by Turkey (22nd), Australia (27th), and Paraguay (40th). The 2026 tournament features 48 teams, including nine from Africa and Asia, 16 from Europe, and representatives from other confederations. Italy notably failed to qualify for the third consecutive time.
Socceroos Squad for 2026
Coach Tony Popovic announced a 26-man squad after a 1-0 loss to Mexico. Notable inclusions are uncapped strikers Cristian Volpato, who switched allegiance from Italy, and Tete Yengi. Veterans like Mathew Leckie, Harry Souttar, Maty Ryan, Jackson Irvine, and Aziz Behich remain, while Kye Rowles, Brandon Borello, and Martin Boyle were omitted. Young talents Mo Touré and Nestory Irankunda are expected to add attacking flair.
Previous World Cup Performance
In 2022, the Socceroos were eliminated in the round of 16 by eventual champions Argentina, losing 1-2 after a spirited performance. The team returned home as heroes.
Other Key Stories
The tournament faces scrutiny over high ticket and transport costs, climate concerns about heat and environmental impact, and security issues involving ICE, which has raised human rights alarms. Iran will relocate their base from Arizona to Mexico amid tensions with the US.
