Your ultimate guide to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Want to know where to watch the World Cup and get a handle on when the Socceroos are playing? Check out our comprehensive guide.
In just a few days the Socceroos embark on their sixth straight World Cup campaign in a North American tournament that promises to be bigger – if not better – than those before it.
Jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada, the World Cup officially kicks off Friday morning Australian time when Mexico takes on South Africa at the famed Estadio Azteca.
Australia’s first match will be its Group D opener against Turkey in Vancouver at the Australian fan-friendly time of 2pm (AEST) Sunday.
This year’s field has been expanded to 48 teams from the usual 32, meaning an average of almost four matches will be held each day across the three countries.
The final will be played at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19.
Whether you are planning a World Cup watching marathon, or are just planning on tuning in for the Socceroos, here’s what you need to know.
What does the team look like
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic was a member of Australia’s storied World Cup team that reached the second round of the 2006 tournament.
For North America he has opted for a blend of experience with plenty of fresh faces in his 26-man squad.
Popovic has taken two uncapped attackers to North America in Tete Yengi, 25, and the 22-year-old Cristian Volpato – who shifted allegiances from Italy to Australia in May.
The pair are among 17 Australians who will make their World Cup debut, including 18-year-old defender Lucas Herrington.
Anchoring the less experienced players are captain/goalkeeper Mat Ryan and forward Mathew Leckie, who are playing in their fourth World Cup and are set to equal the national representative record held by Tim Cahill and Mark Milligan.
Jordan Bos, arguably Australia’s best player, will bring plenty of experience on left wing-back with big-match experience playing for Dutch side Feyenoord.
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Who are the Socceroos group opponents
Australia is drawn in Group D for the first round of the World Cup alongside Turkey, Paraguay and joint host the United States.
The Socceroos have been cast as the underdogs of the group, despite sitting at 27th on the FIFA world rankings ahead of Paraguay.
The United States, ranked 17th, has been quick to assert its confidence in reaching the second round, with 22-ranked Turkey also favoured.
After meeting Turkey on Sunday, Australia will take on the US, and an expected partisan crowd in Seattle at 5am (AEST) Saturday.
The final group match against Paraguay will be at noon (AEST) on Friday, June 26 .
The top two teams in each group advance to the knockout stage, along with the eight best third-place teams.
Australia drew 1-1 with Switzerland in its final warm up match this week, after losing 1-0 t0 Mexico the week before.
Source: AAP
How to watch
All 104 World Cup matches will be broadcast free on SBS or available to stream on SBS On Demand.
As well as your lounge room or device, live sites are being set up for Socceroo fans around Australia, including: Allianz Stadium, Tumbalong Park and Olympic Park in Sydney; Federation Square, AAMI Park and Marvel Stadium in Melbourne; South Bank in Brisbane; The Drive in Adelaide; Northbridge Piazza in Perth; and Darwin Football Stadium.
At The Drive, matches will be broadcast on a big screen and undercover, direct from North America, giving local fans a chance to unite and cheer on the CommBank Socceroos in their three group matches.
If Australia are successful in their World Cup journey, fans will be able to cheer on the national team together, with details shared closer to the matches if required.
On Sunday, June 14, Australia meets Türkiye, in Vancouver. The Drive gates open at 12.30pm for a 1.30pm kick-off.
On Saturday, June 20, Australia faces the USA, in Seattle. The Drive gates open at 4am ahead of the game starting at 4.30am.
On Friday, June 26, Australia clashes with Paraguay, in San Francisco. The Drive will open from 10.30am with the game starting at 11.30am.
Who are the tournament favourites?
The top teams to watch this year are no surprise, headed by 2022 runner-up France and reigning European champion Spain.
England are in strong form and hoping for their first Cup since 1966, while defending champion Argentina and five-time winner Brazil round out the top five, according to bookmakers.
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Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands are expected to feature in the final stages, while Norway and Belgium could also be a chance.
With friendly crowds and home field advantage, the United States and Mexico like their chances this year, similar to the unexpected 2002 campaign by then-host South Korea.
Australia’s regional rival Japan knocked off Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup and can not be ignored, while Croatia, Switzerland and Turkey look ominous.
South Americans Colombia, Uruguay and Ecuador, meanwhile, consistently prove their worth.
Who else to watch
While World Cups are often where good players can earn their reputations, this tournament will also feature the tournament swan song for two of the games undisputed legends.
Two greats of the game will make history at this World Cup. Photo: AAP
Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo will become the first men to appear in six World Cups, and almost certainly their last.
Messi, who turns 39 on June 24, won the Golden Ball as the best player at the 2022 World Cup after scoring seven goals and setting up three others.
Ronaldo, 41, is already the only man to score at five World Cups and will be looking to secure the only major international trophy to elude him so far.
Groups
With eight of the 12 best third-placed teams getting through to the World Cup knockout stage, the group stage is an intriguing one.
Group A
Teams: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czech Republic
Co-hosts Mexico should feel confident about topping their group on home soil, with a talented, exuberant squad headlined by striker Raul Jimenez and 17-year-old sensation Gilberto Mora. Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in and South Korea will hope to spoil the party.
Group B
Teams: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
Landing with the Swiss wasn’t an ideal outcome for co-hosts Canada. Switzerland are Euro 2024 quarter-finalists, knockout phase regulars and a disciplined team with weapons in attack. Canada should at least finish second.
Group C
Teams: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Brazil are outright favourites to top the group. Vinicius Junior looms as the star, while all eyes will be on injury-riddled Neymar. Morocco finished fourth in Qatar, while Scotland are one of the fun stories of the tournament.
Group D
Teams: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey
Arguably the toughest, most even group to pick. Turkey, headlined by Kenan Yildiz and Arda Guler, look the pick of the bunch. Co-hosts the US have a point to prove, Australia can never be written off and Paraguay were the form team in South American qualifying.
Group E
Teams: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Germany suffered group-stage exits at the past two World Cups, but it’s hard to see that happening again. Ecuador are strong defensively and look dangerous, while debutants Curacao and Ivory Coast will likely face off for third place.
Group F
Teams: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
A tantalising group that offers plenty of potential for chaos. The Netherlands should be the favourites to finish top, but Japan are every chance of winning this group and a smoky to go deep.
Group G
Teams: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Ever-present Belgium are the favourites, given their wealth of talent. Mohamed Salah’s Egypt will be eyeing second, along with Iran, who have plenty of quality but have dealt with a lot of barriers just to get here. New Zealand are the minnows.
Group H
Teams: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Spain’s clash with Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay will almost certainly determine who tops this group. The reigning European champions are favourites even with Lamine Yamal battling a hamstring injury. Debutants Cape Verde hope to do something special.
Group I
Teams: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway
Labelled the group of death, and it is easy to see why. France are always contenders, but Erling Haaland’s Norway are on the march. Senegal are no strangers to causing upsets, while Graham Arnold-led Iraq will never write themselves off.
Group J
Teams: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Reigning champions Argentina should top the group in Lionel Messi’s swansong. Austria, at their first World Cup in 28 years, and Algeria should jostle for second place, while debutants Jordan will chase upsets.
Group K
Teams: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Portugal have an exciting squad, an ageing Cristiano Ronaldo to manage and are capable of making a deep run. Dynamic Colombia should jostle for top spot. DR Congo will back themselves to reach the knockout round, while Uzbekistan are on debut.
Group L
Teams: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
England, attempting to end 60 years of hurt, and old foes Croatia will jostle for top spot. Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions are slight favourites, while Ghana and Panama are dangerous, but likely scrapping for third.
–with AAP
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