FIFA World Cup
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.
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.
Factfile
FIFA Ranking: 27
Previous appearances: 6
First appearance: 1974
Best finish: R16 (twice)
2022 result: R16
How they qualified: AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Group C runners-up
Group D fixtures - June 13: v Turkiye, June 19: v USA, June 25: v Paraguay
Fun fact: Australia's two victories in the group stage at Qatar 2022 was the first time they won two matches in a single edition of the World Cup.
FIFA Ranking: 27
Previous appearances: 6
First appearance: 1974
Best finish: R16 (twice)
2022 result: R16
How they qualified: AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Group C runners-up
Group D fixtures - June 13: v Turkiye, June 19: v USA, June 25: v Paraguay
Fun fact: Australia's two victories in the group stage at Qatar 2022 was the first time they won two matches in a single edition of the World Cup.
With more than 50 Socceroos caps, Australia head coach Tony Popovic was a central defensive stalwart for the national team and a key part of the squad that reached the second round at Germany 2006. Having retired two years later, he immediately transitioned to coaching and has seen success at a string of domestic clubs.
Appointed to the national team role following the departure of Graham Arnold in late 2024, the Sydney native successfully navigated the final stages of World Cup qualification and is set to join a select group who have both played and coached at the global Finals.
With a well balanced and vastly experienced squad, Popovic will be aiming to surpass Australia's best of two Round of 16 appearances.
Appointed to the national team role following the departure of Graham Arnold in late 2024, the Sydney native successfully navigated the final stages of World Cup qualification and is set to join a select group who have both played and coached at the global Finals.
With a well balanced and vastly experienced squad, Popovic will be aiming to surpass Australia's best of two Round of 16 appearances.
The first of those came at Germany 2006 where they progressed from a group featuring Brazil, Croatia and Japan.
Featuring the likes of Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill and Mark Schwarzer, Australia fell in heartbreaking fashion in the Round of 16 as a 95th minute Francesco Totti penalty saw them lose 1-0 to Italy.
Featuring the likes of Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill and Mark Schwarzer, Australia fell in heartbreaking fashion in the Round of 16 as a 95th minute Francesco Totti penalty saw them lose 1-0 to Italy.
That was a record which was matched in Qatar 16 years later with 1-0 wins over Tunisia and Denmark sending the Socceroos into the knockouts as runners-up to France.
Once again, they fell by a single goal in the Round of 16 to the nation that would ultimately go on to lift the trophy as goals from Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez saw Argentina claim a 2-1 win.
Once again, they fell by a single goal in the Round of 16 to the nation that would ultimately go on to lift the trophy as goals from Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez saw Argentina claim a 2-1 win.
They will head to the 2026 edition confident of achieving a new best, especially after their AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 heroics.
A return of just one points from their opening two matches had them on the ropes but Popovic steadied the ship and Australia comfortably finished second behind Japan and - crucially - six points ahead of Saudi Arabia.
There will, however, be no margin for error in a dangerous group featuring Turkiye, co-hosts USA and Paraguay, will all four teams evenly matched.
A winning start against will set them on course for the Round of 32, which will feature the top two sides from each of the 12 groups and the eight best third-placed sides.
Sources: FIFA, AFC, AFP
A return of just one points from their opening two matches had them on the ropes but Popovic steadied the ship and Australia comfortably finished second behind Japan and - crucially - six points ahead of Saudi Arabia.
There will, however, be no margin for error in a dangerous group featuring Turkiye, co-hosts USA and Paraguay, will all four teams evenly matched.
A winning start against will set them on course for the Round of 32, which will feature the top two sides from each of the 12 groups and the eight best third-placed sides.
Sources: FIFA, AFC, AFP
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