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.

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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.

Know your team: Korea Republic

Fri, 29 May, 2026

Know your team: Korea Republic

Kuala Lumpur: Korea Republic will head to the FIFA World Cup 2026 determined to enjoy an extended run at the global showpiece.

The East Asian side advanced to the Round of 16 for the first time in 12 years at Qatar 2022 but will feel they have the talent and quality to do much better in North America.

Know your team: Jordan

Fri, 29 May, 2026

Know your team: Jordan

Kuala Lumpur: Jordan play at their first World Cup determined to show they belong at football's top table and with Lionel Messi's Argentina presenting the most daunting of prospects.

Jamal Sellami's side face Austria in a tough Group J on their World Cup debut on June 16, followed by Algeria and then reigning champions Argentina in their final pool game in Dallas.

Know your team: Iraq

Fri, 29 May, 2026

Know your team: Iraq

Kuala Lumpur: Iraq's veteran Australian coach Graham Arnold is hoping his team can pull off a shock on their return to the FIFA World Cup stage after a remarkable and gruelling journey to this year's tournament in North America.

The West Asian side sealed a return to the global stage with their last possible chance - defeating Bolivia in the Inter-Confederation Playoff.

Know your team: Japan

Wed, 27 May, 2026

Know your team: Japan

Kuala Lumpur: Japan will head into the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a spring in their step and confidence high that they are set for a best ever outing at the global showpiece.

With the exception of the three hosts – Canada, Mexico and the USA – Japan were the first team to punch their ticket to the Finals, winning their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 group at a canter.