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Expect more from Australia, says Popovic

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Expect more from Australia, says Popovic

Vancouver: Head coach Tony Popovic is confident Australia are capable of much more after the impressive 2-0 win against Türkiye in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D opener on Saturday.

While goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe sealed the win, Popovic's decision to opt for rookie goalkeeper Patrick Beach and midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler in place of Maty Ryan Jackson Irvine respectively proved to be a masterstroke, with both delivering on the grandest of stages.

Group D: Australia 2-0 Turkiye

Sun, 14 Jun, 2026

Group D: Australia 2-0 Turkiye

Vancouver: Australia scored a stunning 2-0 upset over Turkiye in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D opener on Saturday as head coach Tony Popovic's bold selection gamble paid off.

Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe scored the goals and rookie goalkeeper Patrick Beach produced a string of crucial saves to help secure a famous Australian victory at Vancouver's BC Place Stadium.

Preview - Group D: Australia v Turkiye

Sat, 13 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group D: Australia v Turkiye

Vancouver: Australia will be striving for a winning start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign when they face Turkiye in Group D on Saturday.

The Socceroos return to the global stage looking to build on their impressive run to the Round of 16 in Qatar four years ago, where they pushed eventual champions Argentina before bowing out 2-1.

Asian Stars to watch

Wed, 10 Jun, 2026

Asian Stars to watch

Kuala Lumpur: Asia will be represented by nine teams at the expanded FIFA World Cup 2026 which kicks off on Thursday.

It promises to be a thrilling campaign for all of the Asian sides, with each bidding to create history.

As we get set for the action, the-AFC.com highlights a key player for each of the Asian teams at the global showpiece. 

5 Asian FIFA World Cup Heroes 

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

5 Asian FIFA World Cup Heroes 

Kuala Lumpur: Over the years a number of Asian players have produced the goods at the FIFA World Cup, lighting up arenas around the globe and providing incredible moments that have gone down in the Continent’s footballing folklore. 

With the kick-off for the FIFA World Cup 2026 only two days away, we turn back the clock to highlight the achievements of five Asian players who have shone brightest on the global showpiece.

You can tell us who you think is the best Asian player at the FIFA World Cup by voting at the bottom of the article. 

Popovic says Australia can 'punch above weight' after Swiss draw

Sun, 07 Jun, 2026

Popovic says Australia can 'punch above weight' after Swiss draw

San Diego: Australia head coach Tony Popovic said he was confident his side could "punch above our weight" at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a battling 1-1 draw with Switzerland in an international friendly on Saturday.

Dan Ndoye opened the scoring for the Swiss in the 14th minute before Australia debutant Tete Yengi levelled in the second half. It was the final warm-up for both sides for the FIFA World Cup, which begins on Thursday.

Focus: Group D

Thu, 04 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group D

Los Angeles: The United States head into Group D of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with everything to prove after a turbulent build-up marked by an unconvincing run of form that saw them comfortably beaten by elite European opposition in two of three of their most recent friendlies.

A 5-2 thrashing by Belgium in March was followed by a clinical 2-0 defeat to Portugal, giving US head coach Mauricio Pochettino a sobering reality check as he attempts to plot a deep run in the tournament. A 3-2 win against Senegal on Sunday, however, would have brought some cheer.

Volpato gets Australia nod

Mon, 01 Jun, 2026

Volpato gets Australia nod

Sydney: Head coach Tony Popovic named Italy under-21 international Cristian Volpato in Australia's 26-strong squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday after he switched allegiance last week.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, who was born and raised in Sydney and plays for Sassuolo in Serie A, is one of two uncapped players along with Japan-based striker Tete Yengi.

Gritty Socceroos aim to spoil United States' party

Sun, 31 May, 2026

Gritty Socceroos aim to spoil United States' party

Pasadena: Efforts to boost football in the United States rest heavily on the national team's success at the FIFA World Cup 26 - but their Group D opponents Australia have every intention of crashing the co-hosts' party.

"It's our role to spoil one part of it," Socceroos midfielder Aiden O'Neill said on Saturday.

#AFCU20 China 2027 - Stage set for Qualifiers

Thu, 28 May, 2026

#AFCU20 China 2027 - Stage set for Qualifiers

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027™ Qualifiers are set to be a scintillating affair following the Official Draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

To be staged between August 25 and September 6, 2026 in a centralised league system, these Qualifiers will feature the implementation of a new format as part of key reforms to the AFC’s youth competitions that were ratified earlier this year.

Designed to ensure more meaningful matches and opportunities for teams to compete against opponents of similar technical competency, a two-phase system featuring a promotion and relegation mechanism has been introduced.

Irankunda, Toure ready to do their part for Australia

Thu, 28 May, 2026

Irankunda, Toure ready to do their part for Australia

Sydney: Nestory Irankunda and Mohamed Toure are thriving in England's Championship and Australia head coach Tony Popovic is banking on the young attacking duo to fire the Socceroos to a best-ever FIFA World Cup.

Australia head to North America and a tricky Group D alongside Paraguay, Turkey and co-hosts the United States in buoyant mood.

They are unbeaten in 11 games stretching back to September 2024 and aiming to go beyond the last 16 for the first time.

In Qatar four years ago they gave eventual champions Argentina a scare in the Round of 16 before going out in a brave 2-1 defeat orchestrated by Lionel Messi.

Know your team: Australia

Mon, 25 May, 2026

Know your team: Australia

Kuala Lumpur: With a historic nine Asian sides among the cast of 48 teams at the FIFA World Cup 2026, the continent is set for a fiesta of football.

As the kick-off to the global showpiece rapidly approaches, the-AFC.com takes a deep look as the Asian hopefuls, with Australia kicking off the series.

Tony Popovic's side will be aiming to reach new heights after overcoming a difficult start to cruise through the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26.