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Australia's Popovic optimistic despite penalty heartbreak

Sat, 04 Jul, 2026

Australia's Popovic optimistic despite penalty heartbreak

Arlington: Tony Popovic defended his decision to ask defender Lucas Herrington to take one of his side’s penalties just two days before his 19th birthday in their 4-2 shoot-out loss against Egypt at Dallas Stadium on Friday as Australia exited the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Herrington hit the crossbar with Australia’s fourth spot-kick to allow Hossam Abdelmaguid to roll in the winner following a 1-1 draw after extra time, with Popovic also choosing to replace goalkeeper Patrick Beach moments before the match went to penalties.

The decisions didn't work out but the tactician said Australia had much to savour after a campaign which had numerous positives.

R32: Australia 1 (2)-(4) 1 Egypt

Sat, 04 Jul, 2026

R32: Australia 1 (2)-(4) 1 Egypt

Arlington: Australia's FIFA World Cup 2026 challenge came to an end on Friday as they suffered a 4-2 defeat on penalties to Egypt in the Round of 32.

Level 1-1 after 120 minutes, Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington missed in the shootout as Australia's wait for a first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout stage win continued.

Hossam Abdelmaguid scored the winning penalty as Egypt made history, with either defending champions Argentina or Cabo Verde their last 16 opponents.

Preview - R32: Australia v Egypt

Sat, 04 Jul, 2026

Preview - R32: Australia v Egypt

Arlington: Australia head coach Tony Popovic is confident his young players can deliver a first-ever win in the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup when the Socceroos face off against Egypt in the last 32 in Dallas on Friday.

The Australians have advanced through the group phase for only the third time and are looking to go one step further than in 2006, when they lost to Italy, and in Qatar in 2022 when they were defeated by Argentina.

Knockout Stage cast finalised

Sun, 28 Jun, 2026

Knockout Stage cast finalised

Los Angeles: Australia and Japan will carry Asia's hopes in the knockout stage as the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage concluded on Saturday.

There was heartbreak for Islamic Republic of Iran and Korea Republic as both missed out after finishing third in their respective groups.

AFC President hails dynamic duo, urges focus on long-term growth

Sun, 28 Jun, 2026

AFC President hails dynamic duo, urges focus on long-term growth

Kuala Lumpur: The President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, has extended his warmest congratulations to Asia’s standout duo—Japan and Australia—following their qualification for the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

By navigating through the Group Stage of the newly expanded 48-team format, the pair’s advancement ensures that the AFC equalled its historical best of two teams reaching the knockout rounds on foreign soil, matching the milestone originally set at South Africa 2010.

Australia eye 'something special' after reaching knockout stage

Sat, 27 Jun, 2026

Australia eye 'something special' after reaching knockout stage

Santa Clara: Head coach Tony Popovic said Australia want to do "something special" after reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for only the third time in their history.

The Socceroos played out a 0-0 draw on Thursday with Paraguay in Santa Clara in a stalemate that suited both teams.

Australia, who stunned Turkey in their opening match before losing to co-hosts the United States, qualified for the last 32 as runners-up in Group D.

Next they play at the air-conditioned home of the Dallas Cowboys on July 3 against the side that finishes second in Group G, which comprises Egypt, Islamic Republic of Iran, Belgium and New Zealand.

Group D: Paraguay 0-0 Australia

Fri, 26 Jun, 2026

Group D: Paraguay 0-0 Australia

Santa Clara: Australia qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage on Thursday after battling to a 0-0 draw with Paraguay in Santa Clara to claim second place in Group D.

The Socceroos, who defeated Turkey in their opening match before losing to the United States, were never seriously threatened on their way to securing a point to reach the last 32 at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in northern California.

The draw also left Paraguay firmly on course for the knockout rounds as one of the eight best third-placed teams in the group stage.

Preview - Group D: Paraguay v Australia

Wed, 24 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group D: Paraguay v Australia

Santa Clara:  Australia will have to hold their nerve to secure a place in the knockout stage when they face Paraguay in their decisive FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D tie on Thursday.

Tony Popovic’s side head to the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium knowing that a place in the Round of 32 is within reach, with the Socceroos holding second place in the group on goal difference ahead of Paraguay.

With the United States already through after back-to-back victories, this contest is effectively a direct battle to decide who takes the second automatic spot from the group. 

Australia failed to match USA, admits Popovic

Sat, 20 Jun, 2026

Australia failed to match USA, admits Popovic

Seattle: Head coach Tony Popovic admitted Australia were below par in their 2-0 defeat to the United States in their FIFA World Cup 2026 tie on Friday.

While the win confirmed the US' spot in the knockout stage, defeat left Australia with work to do against Paraguay in their concluding Group D tie on Thursday.

Group D: United States 2-0 Australia

Sat, 20 Jun, 2026

Group D: United States 2-0 Australia

Seattle: Australia's FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage hopes suffered a setback after a 2-0 defeat to the United States in their Group D clash on Friday.

Victory meant the US advanced to the knockout rounds with a game to spare while Australia will have to defeat Paraguay on Thursday to be absolutely sure of continuing their journey.

Preview - Group D: United States v Australia

Fri, 19 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group D: United States v Australia

Seattle: Australia head coach Tony Popovic believes his team is capable of making further improvements ahead of their clash with FIFA World Cup 2026 co-hosts the United States as the Socceroos stand on the cusp of a place in the knockout rounds.

A 2-0 win over Turkiye in their Group D opener last week sees the Australians go into the clash in Seattle level on three points with Mauricho Pochettino’s side, who kicked off their campaign with a comfortable 4-1 victory over Paraguay last week.

That sets up a battle for top spot in the standings between the two nations and victory for either side would confirm progress into the Round of 32 with one group phase match remaining.

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.