Ben Smith examines whether Australia’s stunning boilover against Turkey should surpass a 2006 classic in Kaiserslauten to rank as the nation’s all-time greatest.
Ben Smith
Tony Popovic shocked everyone when he left goalkeeping captain Mat Ryan and vice skipper Jackson Irvine out of Australia’s World Cup victory with Turkiye, but says it came as no surprise within the Aussie camp.
Aaron Kirby
The Socceroos have stunned Türkiye to open their World Cup in dream fashion after goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalf. Read our three-word analysis.
Australia have made an early statement at the World Cup, pulling off a boilover win against Turkey. Ben Smith wraps up the result from Vancouver.
Australia have beaten Turkiye in a stunning upset in Vancouver. Relive all the action here.
Chris Robinson
Australia will be out to start their World Cup with a win against Turkiye, who will be making their country’s first appearance at the tournament in 24 years. These are the players to watch from both sides.
Josh Kempton
Socceroos veteran Jackson Irvine is about to play at his third-straight World Cup. To be part of this particular group is, in his own words, “the biggest joy” of his career - and he thinks they can be special.
The who’s who of Hollywood have packed into the United States’ World Cup demolition of Paraguay at Sofi Stadium on Saturday.
As a player and a coach, Tony Popovic has already left an indelible mark on Australian football and the Socceroos — but it is what comes next which interests him most.
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic is ignoring the outside noise about his team’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup knock-out stages, urging his side to ‘spoil the party’ after Turkiye’s captain’s bold claim.
You can sort Perth Glory’s A-League history into before Popovic and after Popovic. Six years on from his exit, the club’s lack of success is well-documented, while he is coaching the Socceroos at a World Cup.
The World Cup has given Australia moments of both ecstasy and agony — and on the eve of their 2026 edition of the tournament, The West Australian has taken a look back at five of the most significant.
On the eve of the Socceroos’ World Cup opener, Football Australia have made a huge call on coach Tony Popovic’s future.
Socceroos striker Mo Toure’s availability for Australia’s World Cup opener against Turkiye has received a boost, with teammates Jacob Italiano and Aziz Behich offering assurance he has returned to training.
The Latin music sensation performed in Mexico ahead of the tournament’s opening game.
Zach Margolius
From respected, history-making veterans to a group of rising stars, there is plenty of talent hoping to write their name into Australian history at the World Cup. Here are the key facts on every player.
The Socceroos’ Scottish-born defender Harry Souttar is proud to be an honorary West Aussie and has offered an insight into his Perth-raised defensive partners Alessandro Circati and Cameron Burgess.
The Netherlands may be heavily favoured to top Group F, but with a rising Japan, improving Sweden and tricky Tunisia for company, it is no sure thing.
Tony Popovic always keeps you guessing - it is what makes predicting his starting 11 for the Socceroos’ World Cup opener against Turkiye this weekend a potentially futile, but ultimately fun, exercise.
Germany may be favourites in Group E, but the emergence of Ecuador and threat of Cote d’Ivoire mean they will face a fight to qualify top, while first-timers Curacao eye a piece of history.
The Socceroos’ preparations for their FIFA World Cup opener have potentially been dealt a significant blow after striker Mo Toure was not sighted during the warm-up.
Welcome to the most-even group (in terms of FIFA rankings) at the World Cup. The Socceroos will have their work cut out for them - but so too will hosts USA, dark horses Turkiye and underrated Paraguay.
Jacob Italiano was the much-touted Perth Glory young gun who moved to Germany and fell off the radar of most fans. Now, he is a Socceroos starter at a World Cup. This is his story of resilience and grit.
Socceroos legend Harry Kewell says Australia may only get “one or two opportunities” to score per game at the World Cup, making one star’s impact crucial.
Marco Monteverde
