Australia are back at the World Cup finals for a sixth successive appearance. Tony Popovic’s side will be hoping to upset a lot of home supporters, having been drawn alongside co-hosts USA in Group D.
The Socceroos debuted in 1974, though it was not until 2006 that they next appeared on the global stage, reaching the round of 16 in Germany before losing to eventual champions Italy.
Australia suffered the same fate four years ago, when they were beaten in the last 16 by Argentina, who also went on to lift the trophy. But Popovic will hope his players can put on an impressive showing in North America.
Australia route to the World Cup
AFC qualification for the World Cup is a long process, combined with qualifying for the Asian Cup. Australia entered in the second round and finished top of that group, with six wins from six.
Things weren’t as easy in the third round, which comprised of three six-team groups. But Australia still did enough, finishing second, six points clear of third-placed Saudi Arabia. It meant Australia could avoid the fourth round of qualifying, earning direct passage to the World Cup.
Australia World Cup 2026 fixtures
Australia now finally know their group stages fixtures following the conclusion of the Uefa qualifying playoffs. They open in Group D on 14th June against Turkey. The Socceroos then face hosts United States on 19th June, before closing the group against Paraguay on 26th June.
READ MORE: Get the latest Australia World Cup 2026 outright odds here
Australia key players for World Cup 2026
Australia top World Cup Golden Boot contender: Mohamed Toure
- Key stat: Mohamed Toure scored nine times in just 11 appearances after signing for Norwich City in the January transfer window.
The Socceroos have lacked a consistent goalscorer for some time now but Mohamed Toure could be about to fill that void in this squad. The 22 year old bagged nine times in 11 appearances in the Championship this season after joining Norwich City from Danish club Randers in January. So far he has two goals to his name for his country, both coming in a 3-1 win over New Zealand in Auckland in 2025 but he has the kind of ability to burst onto the scene at this summer’s World Cup.
Australia primary playmaker: Ajdin Hrustic
- Key stat: Ajdin Hrustic has provided six assists in the Eredivisie this season.
If he keeps form and fitness, Ajdin Hrustic could be a key creator for Australia at the World Cup. The 29-year-old currently plies his trade with Heracles in the Eredivisie, having joined from Salernitana last summer. He’s been in top form, creating 50 chances so far this season at an average of 2.31 per 90 minutes. Hrustic has also created 16 big chances, resulting in six assists.
Australia card magnets & top tacklers: Aiden O’Neill
- Key stat: Aiden O’Neill made 54 tackles in the 2025 Major League Soccer season.
Aiden O’Neill is one of the sure starters in Australia’s midfield and the Socceroos will be hoping he can help break down opposition attacks. The 27-year-old plies his trade in the United States with New York City FC, so his knowledge of playing in the continent will be key. O’Neill made 54 tackles in MLS in 2025, committing 33 fouls. He was also booked seven times, winning possession 51 times in the middle third.
Australia rising star: Nestory Irankunda
Nestory Irankunda is the bright young Australian star, and will be 20 come the summer. He made the move from Australia to Germany in 2025, joining Bayern Munich, representing their reserve team. Irankunda then went out on loan at Grasshopper, before joining Watford permanently last summer. The youngster has been directly involved in five goals in the Championship so far, taking 42 shots and creating 26 chances.
STAND-OUT STAT: Australia have now qualified for six consecutive World Cups from 2006 to 2026 having only reached the tournament once before 2006.
Australia set-piece specialists
- Penalties: Martin Boyle
- Free kicks: Nestory Irankunda, Ajdin Hrustic
- Corners: Ajdin Hrustic
Australia tactical analysis and formation
Team stats (average per game from last four matches):
- Corners: 1.75
- Shots on target: 2.25
- Shots on target conceded: 6.25
- Offsides: 1.75
Tony Popovic’s arrival in September 2024 brought a change in system at Australia, switching to three centre-backs. This has varied between a back three and a back five, though the latter has been fancied more recently. Should everyone be fit, the back three is likely to consist of Alessandro Circati, Harry Souttar and potentially the 18 year old Lucas Herrington. Mohamed Toure has been given a chance to lead the line, while Aiden O’Neill and Awer Mabil are other players you’d expect to start. But the other spots are up for grabs.
Australia manager analysis
Tony Popovic took the Australian reins in September 2024, replacing Graham Arnold. When he took charge, Australia had taken one point from their first two World Cup qualifying games. Things didn’t turn around too quickly, with Australia drawing three of their next four — though they did win the other. But Popovic lead Australia to four wins from four in 2025 to qualify for the World Cup. Australia have since tasted defeat under Popovic, losing three straight friendly matches.
| Coach | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tony Popovic | Australia | 14 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 22 | 13 | 57.14 |
Australia World Cup FAQs
Have Australia ever won the World Cup?
Australia have never won the World Cup, only making it to the last 16 twice.
Where did Australia finish in the last World Cup?
Australia were knocked out in the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup, losing to eventual winners Argentina.
Who will be Australia captain at the World Cup?
Mathew Ryan is Australia’s current captain.
Who is Australia’s all-time top goalscorer at World Cups?
Tim Cahill has scored five goals at World Cups, more than any other player. The goals were spread across three World Cups between 2006 and 2010.
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