Australian soccer
Analysis
FIFA World Cup
Despite World Cup expansion, this will be no cakewalk for Socceroos
But for a total of 3.35 FIFA ranking points, Australia could have had a much easier road to the 2026 World Cup. Instead, they are facing a familiar, but no less formidable challenge.
- by Vince Rugari
Latest
Socceroos land difficult World Cup qualifying group with Japan, Saudi Arabia
Graham Arnold’s side avoided the logistical nightmare of a trip to North Korea, but have been drawn to face two very familiar opponents for the third consecutive World Cup qualifying cycle.
- by Vince Rugari
Next stop for the Socceroos on road to 2026? It could be North Korea
Australia’s path to the World Cup will become clearer on Thursday - and there’s a one-in-three chance their next away trip will be to Pyongyang.
- by Vince Rugari
Perth to host top women’s soccer stars in exclusive tournament
In a major sport and tourism coup, Perth is set to host some of Australia’s top women’s soccer players in an exclusive, first-of-its-kind event later this year.
- by Alex Condon
Former Wests Tigers bosses buy stake in Newcastle Jets
Lee Hagipantelis and Justin Pascoe, the former chair and chief executive of the Wests Tigers, have joined forces to buy a quarter stake in the struggling A-League club.
- by Michael Chammas
Analysis
Analysis
You had to look closely, but Socceroos gave glimpse of bright future in Bangladesh
The performances of Nestory Irankunda, Jordan Bos and Daniel Arzani gave Australian fans something to be excited about on an otherwise dreary Thursday night in Dhaka.
- by Vince Rugari
Socceroos scrape 2-0 win over Bangladesh, Irankunda makes debut
Nestory Irankunda made a surprise starting debut for the Socceroos in a scrappy 2-0 victory over Bangladesh in tough conditions in Dhaka on Thursday night.
- by Vince Rugari
‘Do that for the nation’: Socceroos to unleash Bayern Munich-bound young gun
Nestory Irankunda will make his international debut in Thursday night’s World Cup qualifier against Bangladesh, coach Graham Arnold has confirmed.
- by Vince Rugari
Updated
Olympics
Swede nothings: Matildas coach coy on future after unveiling Olympic squad
Tony Gustavsson has revealed the 18 players he’ll be taking to Paris, but won’t say whether he’ll still be their coach beyond the tournament.
- by Vince Rugari
One legend to another: Surprise appearance by tennis great to honour Matildas’ Lydia Williams
The Matildas defeated China 2-0 in their second friendly in Australia before the Paris Olympics. But it was all about goalkeeper Lydia Williams and a special presentation from Evonne Goolagong Cawley.
- by Emma Kemp
As it happened: Matildas beat China 2-0 to give Lydia Williams the perfect farewell
Goals from Clare Wheeler and Hayley Raso ensured a note-perfect night in Sydney for the Matildas’ last home match before the Olympics - and Lydia Williams’ last match on Aussie soil.
- by Vince Rugari