Australia are taking part in a sixth consecutive World Cup in 2026.
The Socceroos made their tournament debut in 1974 but did not return for another 32 years. And they have been ever present since.
However, they haven’t had the best of luck during that run. Australia have made the knockout stages in just two of their past five appearances as the World Cup. They did so in 2022, and have now repeated the feat by finishing second in Group D.
Australia got themselves off to the best possible start, beating Turkey 2-0 in a classic smash-and-grab win and giving their chances of qualification a huge boost.
However, a 2-0 loss to hosts USA in the second game dented confidence. A 0-0 draw against Paraguay washed those worries away, though, with the Socceroos clinching second in Group D and a knockout match in Dallas, with their opponent still to be confirmed.
Australia odds to win the World Cup
Australia have very long odds to win the World Cup. They’re not quite Leicester City 2015-16 odds — but it would be a huge shock.
The Socceroos have just two World Cup knockout appearances in their six tournaments so far, losing in the round-of-16 in 2006 and 2022. Australia did have their best tournament in Qatar four years ago, winning two of their three group stage games — as many as in their previous 16 World Cup matches combined.
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