AUSTRALIA

Australia is a seven-time World Cup participant with a best result of the round of 16 (2006 and 2022). At the 2026 World Cup, Australia plays in Group D against Paraguay, the USA, and Turkey. Head coach Tony Popovic, an Australian of Serbian descent and former Sydney player, has been in charge since September 23, 2024. The leaders: Harry Souttar (Stoke City), Aiden O'Neill, Riley McGree, Martin Boyle.

In 2006 in Germany, Australia debuted at the World Cup after a 32-year absence. The team under Guus Hiddink sensationally advanced from the group, beating Japan 3:1 with a goal in the 84th minute. In the round of 16, Australia played evenly with Italy until the 95th minute, when Fabio Grosso went down in the box — Totti converted the penalty, 0:1. Sixteen years later in Qatar 2022, Australia repeated the group exit: a 1:0 win over Tunisia, a 1:4 loss to France, and a 1:0 win over Denmark. In the round of 16: a 1:2 defeat to Argentina (Messi's goal plus Álvarez brace), but the match was open.

Qualifying ended in third place in the Asian group via the play-off round. Popovic, a former 2006 squad defender, rebuilt the team on physical football. In Group D the main rival is the USA (June 19 in Seattle). Matches are in Vancouver (the opener on June 14), Seattle, and San Francisco. Beyond the group, a possible knockout against Belgium or Croatia — a real shot at the first-ever quarterfinal.

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