Socceroos set for wild west North American adventure at World Cup 2026

FIFA has confirmed the Socceroos could have a west coast tour of North America at subsequent 12 months’s World Cup, with a visit to Canada, a journey to California and a marquee match in opposition to hosts america in Seattle. 

The dates, occasions and venues for Tony Popovic’s workforce had been confirmed on Saturday in Washington DC, the day after the draw for the 2026 occasion, which has pitted Australia in opposition to the USA, Paraguay and the winners of a European play-off — one in every of Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo.

That match in opposition to European opposition will likely be first up, on simply the third day of the event in Vancouver, Canada, at 9pm on Saturday, June 13 — that is a superb early-afternoon slot for Australian TV viewers on Sunday, June 14 at 2pm (AEST).

There will likely be a lot hoopla over the match in opposition to the co-hosts United States in Seattle Stadium, dwelling of the NFL’s Seahawks, at 3pm native time on Friday, June 19.

Which means followers in Australia must set their alarms for a 5am AEST kick-off on Saturday, June 20, to observe the glamour tie of Group D.

The third match has been confirmed in opposition to South American aspect Paraguay for 7pm on Thursday, June 25, at San Francisco Bay Space Stadium in Santa Clara, California, which is a noon (AEST) kick-off on Friday, June 26.

Night kick-offs in North America dominate the entire schedule, which was launched on Saturday, with FIFA having an eye fixed on the anticipated warmth within the US, Mexico and Canada, whereas additionally offering most fixtures in prime European night viewing time.

The ultimate takes place at 3pm native time, when the warmth might play an element within the open stadium on the Meadowlands in New Jersey on July 19.

The opener between Mexico and South Africa within the roofless Azteca Stadium, scene of the 1970 and 1986 finals, in Mexico Metropolis can also be a day kick-off.

Holders Argentina begin in opposition to Algeria within the Kansas Metropolis night and can then face Austria below the Dallas roof at noon (3am AEST) of their subsequent match.

European champions Spain play Cape Verde in a David versus Goliath opener in Atlanta’s dome at noon on June 15 (2am AEST), whereas Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo in tow, have two noon video games below Houston’s cowl (3am AEST).

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The Netherlands may also profit twice from the roofs within the Texas stadiums, whereas Canada makes use of Vancouver’s cowl twice.

FIFA mentioned the fixtures aimed “to make sure the absolute best situations for all groups and spectators whereas, the place doable, enabling followers all around the world to observe their groups play dwell throughout totally different time zones”.

FIFA boss Gianni Infantino on Saturday apologised to Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni after he was advised to put on gloves in Friday’s draw simply to deal with the trophy he had gained in 2022.

After a media backlash, Infantino welcomed Scaloni again on stage on Saturday when the draw was accomplished to the touch it along with his arms.

AAP/AP