Australia buys into World Cup journey as nation approaches peak Socceroos
Australia is buying into its World Cup journey as the nation approaches peak Socceroos engagement with the sport. After a tepid buildup to the tournament, an avalanche of memes and social media content has accompanied a seemingly never-ending stream of football-themed advertising, signalling unprecedented national enthusiasm for football.
Symbolic recognition of the team's progress has emerged in unexpected ways. St Kilda beach in Melbourne was temporarily renamed Patrick beach after Socceroos goalkeeper Patrick. Defender Aziz Behich responded with characteristically dry humour, saying "Hopefully they clean it up." Harry Souttar was featured in a mural painted in Richmond this week sponsored by a boot company, depicting the so-called minister of defence as a bricklayer building a wall.
Australia have now reached the knockout rounds for the third time and the second in succession. While some might argue this achievement is slightly less significant given the larger 2026 tournament format and additional round of 32, Behich is having none of it. In a nation where football remains more towards the periphery compared to the economic giants of AFL and NRL, such moments are important for the sport's standing.
The team will now head to Texas to face Egypt in the Round of 32 elimination bracket. However, Australia have been dealt injury blows, with Mat Leckie and Jacob Italiano returning home after their recovery timelines were too long for even this generous schedule. Midfielder Jackson Irvine said after clinching the knockout place that the team will need to combine the best of each performance in the group stage.
Egypt's Mohamed Salah represents a potential threat, though his fitness remains in doubt. The Liverpool forward suffered a hamstring strain during the group stage draw with Iran. Coach Hossam Hassan remains optimistic, saying "I spoke with Salah and God willing the injury doesn't seem serious He assured me it would be fine that it's not a serious injury."
If Australia and Argentina both survive their first knockouts, they could replicate their Qatar fixture in the following round.