World Cup Qualification Thread for 2026 - Socceroos/Asia

[dr. bellows]

If Iraq qualify later this year then a match against them would probably create a fair bit if interest, Arnie being their coach.

 

[Midfielder]

Given we need quality matches to both develop and look at new players

Would love a match against Iran , they have qualified and who can forget 1997, and that prick that torn down the net.

Given what's going on there now would be a head line grabber

 

[LFC]

I wouldn't mind a friendly against a high altitude country such as Mexico, Ecuador or Colombia (all qualified). Failing that, Venezuela or Bolivia.

yep agreed, luv us to get away alittle from the usual suspects though I get the proximity rules this.
Good ol Uruguay as well, Chile, even Costa Rica - it would be facinating viewing.

 

[WhatAmIWatching]

yep agreed, luv us to get away alittle from the usual suspects though I get the proximity rules this.
Good ol Uruguay as well, Chile, even Costa Rica - it would be facinating viewing.

Chile is not much chop at the moment but Uruguay or Costa Rica would be a great assessment.

 

[Mr Cleansheets]

Given we need quality matches to both develop and look at new players

Would love a match against Iran , they have qualified and who can forget 1997, and that prick that torn down the net.

Given what's going on there now would be a head line grabber

Can't see Iran going to the WC given what's happening right now.

In fact if it gets any worse, can see the entire WC cancelled.

 

[Mr Cleansheets]

Can't see Iran going to the WC given what's happening right now.

In fact if it gets any worse, can see the entire WC cancelled.

And knowing Trump, if Iran pull out he'll convince Infantino to let Israel take their place.

 

[verrelli]

Can't see Iran going to the WC given what's happening right now.

In fact if it gets any worse, can see the entire WC cancelled.

Definitely agree that there's probably zero chance of Iran playing in World Cup.

 

[LFC]

Chile is not much chop at the moment but Uruguay or Costa Rica would be a great assessment.

Mate chile will give us a run for our friendly money regardless.

 

[JS96]

NZ football posting a pavlova. NZ games incoming ffs.

 

[JS96]

Australia NZ games are always so stale. It's not even about winning it. It just feels like an excuse to get on the pitch and waste 90min. Underwhelming.

 

[Quicky]

Australia NZ games are always so stale. It's not even about winning it. It just feels like an excuse to get on the pitch and waste 90min. Underwhelming.

It's better than nothing but kinda disappointing. Hopefully something more exciting in another window.

 

[JS96]

It's better than nothing but kinda disappointing. Hopefully something more exciting in another window.

I think we get NZ because we simply didn't organise anything else. The FA are disgracefully slow in planning these things. The September window was open regardless of the qualification outcome so we should have lined up two European based games to minimise club disruption.

NZ have an array of exotic friendlies.

 

[NoMates]

I think we get NZ because we simply didn't organise anything else. The FA are disgracefully slow in planning these things. The September window was open regardless of the qualification outcome so we should have lined up two European based games to minimise club disruption.

NZ have an array of exotic friendlies.

On current form NZ would beat us hands down, I look forward to the game if the Socceroo's do play them.

 

[JS96]

On current form NZ would beat us hands down, I look forward to the game if the Socceroo's do play them.

It's not about that. It's the fact that we choose and obvious option where we learn little. NZ are decent now but we're a bit too familiar and to go all that way right after the season starts doesn't help consolidate players at their clubs.

 

[Quicky]

It's not about that. It's the fact that we choose and obvious option where we learn little. NZ are decent now but we're a bit too familiar and to go all that way right after the season starts doesn't help consolidate players at their clubs.

I agree. Though maybe this offers a good option to test the fringe squaddies who we need to see. I hope we see.

 

[NoMates]

It's not about that. It's the fact that we choose and obvious option where we learn little. NZ are decent now but we're a bit too familiar and to go all that way right after the season starts doesn't help consolidate players at their clubs.

New Zealand play Norway in Oct, We def could use a decent friendly of that caliber in our windows. You are right we do need to be playing better quality opponents in the lead up to the world cup. As mentioned though playing NZ would be good to get some of the fringe players a run. We have a lot of young guys that didn't start for us as yet and id like to see them given a chance leading into next year.

 

[Alex M]

On current form NZ would beat us hands down, I look forward to the game if the Socceroo's do play them.

You do realise our current form is four wins in a row including games against Saudi Arabia and Japan?

 

[JS96]

We’re coming to the capital to renew a rivalry!

This September, Canberra will host the first of a two-match series against New Zealand, contesting the historic Soccer Ashes Trophy.

Pre-sale: 24.6.25, 10:00am AEST
General Public on sale: 25.6.25, 4:00pm AEST

v - 5.9.25, 7:45pm AEST
: GIO Stadium
: 10, Paramount+

#Socceroos #ForeverGolden #AUSvNZL #VisitCanberra

 

[CG90]

For those complaining about us playing NZ rather than a european or sth American powerhouse. Do you think Popa would introduce new players or try a more proactive system if there was a risk of getting humiliated?
In playing NZ there is minimal pressure and the chance to experiment. I hope he takes it as I am looking forward to seeing if some of our younger players can live up to the hype.

 

[JS96]

For those complaining about us playing NZ rather than a european or sth American powerhouse. Do you think Popa would introduce new players or try a more proactive system if there was a risk of getting humiliated?
In playing NZ there is minimal pressure and the chance to experiment. I hope he takes it as I am looking forward to seeing if some of our younger players can live up to the hype.

Fair point yet the available UEFA teams are Estonia, Albania and Czech Rep. The pressure of the qualifiers when Velupillay was introduced is higher than a practice game against these nations. Maybe in October. Water under a bridge now. This would've been an FA decision to keep the Ashes going.