Everything You Need to Know About Australia Before the 2026 World Cup

Everything You Need to Know About Australia Before the 2026 World Cup

We are less than a week away from this summer’s World Cup and it’s bigger than ever before. With 48 nations taking part there is a lot more to play for. One of those nations will be Australia. So, what do you need to know about Australia before they start their World Cup?

What is their World Cup History?

Australia started their World Cup journey in West Germany for the 1974 World Cup. They would not get past their group losing 2 games and drawing one. This would end their first ever campaign. They then wouldn’t make another appearance for 32 years until 2006.

However, in 2006 they would see their best run and pick up their first ever victory in a World Cup against Japan. They would then go on and lose to Brazil before a draw against Croatia. This would be enough for them to get to the knockouts where they would end up being defeated by Italy.

However, since then they have appeared in every World Cup with them only able to level their best run once that being in 2022. They have played 20 matches winning just 4 drawing 4 and losing 12.

Who Will Be the Key Players?

Australia isn’t a nation with a lot of players that are that different level. However, they do have one man that will be able to cause issues for opposition. That man will be Watford’s Nestory Irankuda.

How about these finishes from Nestory Irankunda 🔥

We were treated to a clinic from the CommBank #Socceroos forward at our first training session at #FIFAWorldCup base camp today 🎯 pic.twitter.com/Vvqo7C5JL4

— CommBank Socceroos (@Socceroos) June 2, 2026

He has been their highlight reel player. Someone who every time he does something you will see time and time after the game on social media. He is a free flowing forward who likes to take his man on with his pace. He also has an amazing ball striking ability often hitting rockets from outside the box. He will be their key player this summer.

Who Will Australia Play in their Group and When?

Australia kicks their World Cup off with a difficult match as they face dark horses Turkey. This game will be on Sunday the 14th of June at 5:00 GMT. These sides have never faced before; however, it will likely be a very challenging game.

After Turkey they will face the hosts in the USA on the 19th of June. This game will be at 8:00 GMT. It once again will be a difficult game and one that could spell the end of their tournament if not carful.

They end their group stage off with the easiest game of the group as they face Paraguay. This game will take place at 3:00 GMT on the 26th of June. This will likely be a must win for Australia if they hope to carry on.

How Far Will They Go?

Australia has been given a difficult group and one that they will likely finish 3rd in. Therefore, we expect them to either see their tournament end here, or they will likely just edge into the round of 32 through a 3rd place finish.

However, they will likely have to face Germany, France or Portugal. This will be the end of their tournament. While they might be able to just get into the knockout, against one of the European super-powers, they will see the World Cup be ended.

Therefore, we expect them to either get grouped and just miss out on the 3rd place opportunity. Or just sneak into the top 6 3rd places sides and then lose in the round of 32.