Tony Popovic faces some of the toughest selection decisions in Socceroos history ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With a 26-man squad to name and the tournament just weeks away, Australia's preparation has been disrupted by key injuries, fierce position battles, and the emergence of some exciting new faces demanding places.
It ended the cruellest way. After 120 minutes locked at 1-1 with Egypt in Dallas, Australia’s 2026 World Cup came down to a penalty shootout — their first in World Cup history — and they lost it 4-2.
The Socceroos’ perfect start to World Cup 2026 is over, beaten 2-0 by co-hosts the United States at a raucous Lumen Field in Seattle.
It's the one that could send the Socceroos through. After a stunning 2-0 opening win over Türkiye, Australia face hosts the United States in a Group D showdown at Lumen Field (CenturyLink Field) in Seattle — and a result here would all but book a place in the knockout rounds.
The Socceroos’ 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign is complete, and Australian soccer betting rolls on. Tony Popovic’s side reached the Round of 32 in North America before going out to Egypt on penalties. This hub covers everything you need for betting on Australia’s national team — fixtures and results, squad news, and the best markets and bookmakers for Socceroos betting.
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Australia reached the FIFA World Cup 2026 for the sixth time in their history. Drawn into Group D alongside the USA, Paraguay and Türkiye at the expanded 48-team tournament, the Socceroos finished second to progress to the Round of 32, where they were beaten by Egypt on penalties.
Tony Popovic, appointed in October 2024, took the Socceroos into the tournament as Group D underdogs and got a response — a 2-0 win over Türkiye and a battling 0-0 draw with Paraguay were enough to edge into the knockouts. The run ended against Egypt in a Round-of-32 shootout, but Australia again showed they can punch above their weight on the biggest stage.
For detailed squad information and selection previews, read our dedicated Socceroos World Cup Squad 2026 guide.
Australia’s completed 2026 World Cup campaign and its lead-up results. The Socceroos finished second in Group D before going out to Egypt on penalties in the Round of 32. Spain went on to win the tournament — see our World Cup final report and the Socceroos Group D deep dive.
| Date | Match | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 March 2026 | Australia v Cameroon | Friendly | Australia won 1-0 |
| 31 March 2026 | Australia v Curaçao | Friendly | Australia won 5-1 |
| 30 May 2026 | Mexico v Australia | Friendly | Mexico won 1-0 |
| 13 June 2026 | Türkiye v Australia | World Cup — Group D | Australia won 2-0 |
| 19 June 2026 | Australia v USA | World Cup — Group D | USA won 2-0 |
| 25 June 2026 | Paraguay v Australia | World Cup — Group D | 0-0 draw — Australia finished 2nd |
| 3 July 2026 | Australia v Egypt | World Cup — Round of 32 | 1-1 — Egypt won 4-2 on penalties |
The Switzerland friendly in San Diego on 6 June is now the Socceroos’ final preparation match before the World Cup opener, following the 1-0 loss to Mexico in Pasadena on 30 May (Johan Vásquez, 28′). Both will be key auditions for players on the bubble of Popovic’s 26-man group, and the Switzerland match gives the squad a chance to acclimatise in the US ahead of Group D.
The official 26-man Socceroos World Cup squad will be announced in late May or early June 2026, following the May camp and the Mexico friendly. Tony Popovic has a settled core but faces some significant selection calls, particularly in defence after Lewis Miller’s Achilles injury and the ongoing absence of Harry Souttar.
Key players expected to feature include captain Jackson Irvine (St Pauli), goalkeeper Mat Ryan (AS Roma), creative midfielder Riley McGree (Middlesbrough), and teenage sensation Nestory Irankunda (Bayern Munich). Centre-back Alessandro Circati (Parma) has established himself as first choice at the back, while Jordan Bos’s 85th-minute winner against Cameroon on 27 March cemented his place in Popovic’s plans.
For the full predicted squad with positions, clubs, ages, and cap counts, read our Socceroos World Cup Squad 2026 article.
Australian bookmakers offer a range of markets on Socceroos matches and World Cup betting. Here are the main markets to know:
Match Result (1X2) — The most common market. Bet on Australia to win, the match to draw, or the opponent to win. In competitive World Cup group games, Australia will typically be the outsider against USA and potentially Turkey, with Paraguay likely to be a more even matchup.
Total Goals (Over/Under) — A popular alternative to match result. Given Popovic’s structured setup, Australia often play tight, low-scoring affairs in competitive matches, though the 5-1 friendly against Curaçao showed they can fire when the opposition allows space.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS) — Always worth checking for Socceroos matches. Mat Ryan is a reliable last line of defence, but international football at World Cup level brings quality attacks that can test any goalkeeper.
First Goalscorer / Anytime Goalscorer — Jackson Irvine contributes goals from midfield, while Nestory Irankunda is the exciting pick for those looking for value. If Deni Juric holds down the striker role, he is the logical first goalscorer option.
Same Game Multi — Combine multiple markets within the same Socceroos match for a boosted return. See our same game multi guide for tips on building smart combinations.
Socceroos to Advance from Group D — Available as a futures market. Group D is tough with the USA as hosts and Turkey a dangerous side, but Australia have shown the quality and tournament experience to compete.
Finding the best odds for Socceroos markets means shopping across multiple bookmakers. Coverage of international football, especially Socceroos friendlies, can vary between operators, so it is worth checking a few before placing. For a full comparison of Australian betting sites that cover soccer, visit our soccer betting sites Australia page.
The World Cup will be covered comprehensively by all major Australian bookmakers, with markets available from group stage through to the final. The best sites for Socceroos and World Cup betting typically offer:
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18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
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Australia opened Group D with a 2-0 win over Türkiye, then lost 2-0 to the host nation USA before a 0-0 draw with Paraguay secured second place and a Round-of-32 spot. Egypt ended the campaign on penalties.
The Socceroos are in Group D alongside the USA, Paraguay, and Türkiye. With the USA as host nation and a strong Turkish side, it is a challenging group, but Australia have reached the Round of 16 in their last two World Cup appearances.
Tony Popovic has been the Socceroos head coach since October 2024. He replaced Graham Arnold, who guided Australia to the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Popovic previously managed Western Sydney Wanderers, Perth Glory, and several clubs in Europe.
Jackson Irvine is the Socceroos captain. The St Pauli midfielder is the heartbeat of the team and one of Australia’s most experienced international players, with over 60 caps to his name. He plays in the Bundesliga and brings leadership and energy to the squad.
The official 26-man squad is expected to be named in late May or early June 2026, around the final preparation camp in Florida and the two friendlies against Mexico (30 May) and Switzerland (6 June). Tony Popovic has used the March window to assess fringe candidates, and the Mexico match (a 1-0 loss) gave fringe players a final audition before the squad is confirmed.
Broadcast rights for the 2026 World Cup in Australia are expected to be confirmed closer to the tournament. In previous years, SBS has held free-to-air rights for the men’s World Cup. Check the SBS and Optus Sport websites for the latest broadcast information as the tournament approaches.
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