Australia

🌍 World Cup Story

Australia's modern World Cup story began with their dramatic qualification in 2006, beating Uruguay on penalties in an intercontinental playoff. In Germany they reached the Round of 16 — their best result — losing narrowly to eventual champions Italy in a controversial penalty shootout. They missed 2010 and 2014 at group stage, then produced a remarkable 2022 campaign in Qatar: beating Denmark to reach the knockout stage, then falling to Argentina (eventual champions) in the Round of 16. The 2022 run, featuring a now-famous Socceroos emoji challenge with Harry Kane, brought football to the forefront of Australian sporting culture. Goalkeeper Mat Ryan's experience, accumulated over many years in the Premier League, anchors a determined squad.