Socceroos Set to Begin 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Journey in Melbourne

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The Socceroos are set to commence their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying journey in Melbourne. Under the guidance of coach Graham Arnold, the Australian team will be squaring off against either Bangladesh or Maldives at the AAMI Park on the 16th of November. The opponent will be determined in a two-legged playoff scheduled for the following month.

Throughout the past year, Arnold has integrated several younger athletes into the team, evaluating their performance against high-caliber competition. In doing so, the squad has gained priceless experience, positioning them favorably as they embark on a new World Cup qualification campaign.


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The Socceroos’ participation continues with a game outside of Australian soil on the 21st of November. The team will be facing Palestine, a second-round opponent, in a location that has yet to be disclosed.

Their group also includes Lebanon. The top two teams from each of the second-round AFC groups will advance to the confederation’s World Cup qualifiers’ third round. Additionally, they will secure a spot in the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

James Johnson, Football Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, expressed immense pride in both Arnold and his players for the remarkable progress they have made in elevating the presence of Australian football on the international stage.

Embarking on this FIFA World Cup qualifying cycle marks a new beginning for the team, starting with the AAMI Park match. The Socceroos are also scheduled for the Asian Cup in Qatar, taking place in January and February.

Johnson referred to it as a hectic yet thrilling period for the Socceroos, highlighting the inclusion of several new members into the senior men’s national team since the last World Cup.

Following a 2-2 draw with Mexico in Dallas earlier in the month, the Socceroos’ fixture will include friendly matches in London against England and New Zealand in the coming month.