The Socceroos are through to the Round of 32. Australia got the point they needed with a battling 0-0 draw against Paraguay at Levi's Stadium, finishing second in Group D behind the USA and booking a place in the World Cup knockout stage.
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.
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.
The Socceroos are heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, and Australian soccer betting is heating up fast. Tony Popovic’s side have shown serious form in the March friendly window, backing up their World Cup qualification with convincing results. This hub covers everything you need to know about betting on Australia’s national team, from upcoming fixtures and squad news to the best markets and bookmakers for Socceroos betting.
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Australia return to the FIFA World Cup 2026 for the sixth time in their history, having reached the Round of 16 in both 2006 and 2022. The 2026 edition is the expanded 48-team tournament hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the Socceroos drawn into Group D alongside the USA, Paraguay, and Turkey.
Tony Popovic was appointed Socceroos head coach in October 2024, inheriting a squad that qualified via the AFC third round as one of Asia’s top sides. Popovic has brought a high-pressing, structured style to the team, and the results in the lead-up to the tournament have been promising. Australia go into the World Cup as clear underdogs in Group D, but after 2006 and 2022 proved, the Socceroos are capable of punching above their weight on the biggest stage.
For detailed squad information and selection previews, read our dedicated Socceroos World Cup Squad 2026 guide.
Below is Australia’s full schedule from the March 2026 international window through to their World Cup group stage matches. Results are updated as they come in.
| Date | Match | Type | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 March 2026 | Australia vs Cameroon | Friendly | Stadium Australia, Sydney | 1-0 WIN (Bos 85′) |
| 31 March 2026 | Australia vs Curaçao | Friendly | AAMI Park, Melbourne | 5-1 WIN |
| 30 May 2026 | Mexico vs Australia | Friendly | Rose Bowl, Pasadena (USA) | Mexico won 1-0 |
| 6 June 2026 | Switzerland vs Australia | Friendly | Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego (USA) | Upcoming |
| 13 June 2026 | Türkiye vs Australia | WC Group D | Vancouver, Canada | TBC |
| 19 June 2026 | USA vs Australia | WC Group D | Seattle, USA | TBC |
| 25 June 2026 | Paraguay vs Australia | WC Group D | Santa Clara, USA | TBC |
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:
#AD 18+ T&Cs Apply Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free & confidential support call 180 0858 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
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
#AD 18+ T&Cs Apply Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free & confidential support call 180 0858 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’s first match at the 2026 World Cup is against Türkiye on 13 June 2026 in Vancouver, Canada. They then face the USA on 19 June in Seattle and Paraguay on 25 June in Santa Clara to complete Group D.
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.
Our complete Socceroos World Cup 2026 betting coverage:
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