Offices emptied and pubs across Australia filled to capacity on Friday afternoon as the Socceroos secured a goalless draw against Paraguay, advancing to the knockout phase of the FIFA 2026 World Cup for the second consecutive time. For many fans, the match—played entirely within Australian working hours for the first time in history—was an unmissable event that united communities and sparked a wave of national pride.
Packed pubs and working fans
At the Golden Barley in Sydney's inner west, small business owners Jamie Hayman and his brother Rick Hayman were among the crowd of revellers who refused to let their jobs keep them from cheering on the team. Rick, who owns a local construction company, was handling work admin alongside his staff while watching the game. He told reporters he had supported the Socceroos 'forever' but noticed a shift in recent years. 'It unites the community,' he said. 'That's what you notice. Pubs get filled up, there's all the talk around town, it's really good to see.'
Alongside them were four old friends, including Nick, who had been sitting in the front row at the Golden Barley since it opened, a Guinness in hand. He wore an authentic 1974 Socceroos jersey—marking the historic first year Australia qualified for a World Cup. Nick and his partner Robyn said they missed the tradition of waking up at ungodly hours to watch the Socceroos play, a result of punishing time zones. 'We were just saying this morning, we used to wake up in the middle of the night, it used to be really good,' Nick said with a laugh. 'It's a unique experience. A family experience.'
Atmosphere at the Vic on the Park
Down the road at the Vic on the Park pub, hundreds of fans were packed in like sardines, the atmosphere a mixture of jubilation and fear. When rain fell during the first half, jackets and Socceroos scarves were thrown over heads, and ponchos were unfurled from bags. After 80 goalless minutes, a few chants of 'Aussie, Aussie, Aussie' rang out, accompanied by the howl of a dog in the front bar. As extra time ticked down, cheers echoed through the pub. A bald man with a stick-on Australian flag tattoo hugged his friends.
Some fans had booked leave as soon as the schedule was released, while others had not planned so far ahead. Sophie and her son Orson, in year 11, were also at the Vic when Australia lost 2-0 to the USA earlier in the week. Orson was skipping school for the last day of term, and Sophie was quietly working away from her phone. 'This is of national importance,' she said. 'I really want Oscar to hear a goal in the pub, just to hear us lift.' Oscar hopes to become a football coach one day and said Australia was showing it could be a big footballing country. 'Football's growing,' he said. 'It's been brilliant, so cool to see so many people supposed to be working coming to support their country.'
Melbourne's Federation Square crowd
In Melbourne, an estimated crowd of 7,500 turned out at Federation Square, according to Victoria Police. All had arrived hours early to secure a spot, with the square reaching capacity by 10am. Multiple high-stakes games of flip bottle broke out, complete with tearful cheers when a successful flip was completed. Others loudly boasted about how they 'wagged' to be there or received permission from their parents to miss classes. The national anthem was played to an explosion of seven flares, resulting in the arrest of a 16-year-old.
Occasionally, an unseen force sent a wave of people stumbling. Once the crowd regained their footing, they turned in the masses to the culprit, shouting 'wanker' in unison. Three teenagers were issued penalty notices for riotous behaviour and moved on, police said.
Former footballer's perspective
Former Socceroo Craig Foster, who was at Federation Square, described the match as a 'near perfect game' for Australia. 'The squad depth has been demonstrated,' he said. 'They've done exactly what was required … Australia is managing well, learning very quickly, and it's a beautiful day anytime the Socceroos get through to knockout rounds. We are here. We're still in this tournament, and we're fighting all the way. There's nothing better in life.'
Teenager Ali Abolhasani and his friend were having a wilder time, describing falling to the ground and losing their shoes along the Federation Square barricade. Asked how he felt after the game, Abolhasani replied: 'Amazing. I can't wait to come back next week. We did an all-nighter, we couldn't sleep because we knew we'd make it … We'll do it again.'
Canberra's World Cup fever
In Australia's capital, World Cup fever had well and truly arrived, even if the small two-screen arrangement at Garema Place was less than ideal for the crowd of more than 500 football fans. ACT Senator David Pocock made an appearance, telling Guardian Australia it was great to see such a diverse crowd unite behind the national team. 'The Socceroos, as it's been talked about this week in parliament, represents what is so great about Australia,' he said. 'We do have so many people from diverse backgrounds coming together, and you see the way that that resonates across the country.'
