Australian soccer manager and former player, head coach of the Socceroos
Switzerland leads early as Dan Ndoye scores; Australia fights back with Volpato and Yengi among youth lineup. Yengi nets on debut; Irankunda and Souttar impress; Popovic rotates squad ahead of World Cup.
Canada has claimed its first World Cup finals victory with a 6-0 thrashing of Qatar, led by Jonathan David’s hat-trick. Ismael Koné suffers a serious leg injury, while Canada tops Group B with four points after two matches. Next up: Switzerland in Vancouver.
Australia’s World Cup campaign has opened with a 2-0 win over Turkey, highlighted by Nestory Irankunda’s goal and a young, refugee-rich squad. The team has released a video promoting multiculturalism, featuring players born in refugee camps, as a statement amid rising anti-immigrant rhetoric.
Australia has secured a famous victory in Group D, with Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe scoring, rookie keeper Patrick Beach making crucial saves, and coach Popovic reshuffling the starting XI to include 10 World Cup debutants. The win keeps them level with the United States ahead of a meeting in Seattle.
Iraq has earned its place at the 2026 World Cup under Australian coach Graham Arnold, marking the country’s return to the tournament after 40 years. Arnold has steered the team through a lengthy qualifying campaign, with travel disruptions and geopolitical tensions shaping the road to the tournament.
Mohamed Salah has recovered from a hamstring strain and has taken part in light training ahead of Egypt’s World Cup round‑of‑32 match with Australia in Dallas. Coach Hossam Hassan has said Salah is fit to play but may not start, leaving Egypt to balance his influence with caution after he left the Iran game early and underwent scans and treatment.
Christian Pulisic’s calf injury has kept him from the USMNT’s match with Australia, with Mauricio Pochettino evaluating options as the team seeks a win to top World Cup Group D. He remains day-to-day, with a decision on his involvement to be made after medical staff review.
Egypt beat Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Texas to reach the World Cup last 16 for the first time. Emam Ashour opened the scoring, Mohamed Hany own goal levelled, and Hossam Abdelmaguid sealed victory with the decisive penalty as Mohamed Salah starred for Egypt.
Australia’s World Cup run ends in Dallas after a 1-1 draw with Egypt, with Egypt converting all four penalties to advance. Coach Tony Popovic defended his decision to substitute the keeper, while Lucas Herrington and Harry Souttar faced heartbreak in the shootout.