Australia's national football team, the Socceroos, have gained a significant advantage for the 2026 World Cup by qualifying early, allowing staff to secure top hotels and training facilities across North America. Coach Tony Popovic emphasised the goal of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time, stating, 'Our goal has to be to try and do something special.'
The expanded tournament, featuring 48 teams across the US, Mexico, and Canada, presents logistical challenges. Popovic noted that lessons from the Club World Cup highlighted issues with pitch quality and heat, which will influence preparation. The team has scheduled friendlies against Canada and the USA in October to gain experience.
Popovic also discussed player selection, noting that overseas-based players may have an edge over A-League stars due to earlier season starts. Key players like Jordan Bos and Jackson Irvine are set to return from injury, while Harry Souttar's recovery from an Achilles injury continues. Emerging talents like Nestory Irankunda are moving to clubs such as Watford, and Portsmouth's recruitment of Australian players is seen as a positive development for the national team.
