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Archie Thompson's Socceroos World Cup expectations
Jaiden Sciberras • June 11th, 2026 5:45 pm
Australian footballing legend Archie Thompson has provided his expectations for the Socceroos ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026™.
With the world’s greatest tournament set to kick off tomorrow morning in Mexico, the Aussie legend has given his take on just how far this year’s side can go.
Led by veteran Maty Ryan, defensive stalwart Harry Souttar, captain Jackson Irvine and young star Nestory Irankunda, the Socceroos could surprise a few this year, with Turkiye, USA and Paraguay sharing the stage in Group D.
With that in mind, Thompson has given his prediction just days out from Australia’s 2026 World Cup venture.
“You’d almost think that a pass would be to get out of the group, just because of what we did in the last World Cup,” Thompson told SEN WA Breakfast.
“There wasn’t too much expectation on the team last World Cup.
“It feels really funny, the Socceroos team gets into the World Cup, we always put this label on them – ‘this is the worst Socceroos squad that we’ve ever gone to a world cup with!’.
“I don’t know why that is the case. It seems like every time, and when they go out there and they perform unbelievably, it’s like ‘this is a great Socceroos team.’!
“I’d be happy for the guys to just play really well, good football, get results, and if we get passed the group – it’s a tough one because it is competitive. It could come down to that Paraguay game.
“The good thing about it is if we can scrape by, we’re a good chance. Now, with the format, even if you finish third in the group, you’re a chance to still qualify into the knockout phase.
“It’s going to be tough, especially when you’re up against the hosts – the stage is going to be rocking, and they are going to have a lot of support.
“You feel that if the States got knocked out, it’d be pretty flat. I don’t know if you’d get the same sort of atmosphere if the US team was still in the World Cup.
“They’ve got a lot to play for, everyone’s got a lot to play for, but I’d be pleased if the guys got through the groups, that’s for sure.”
The World Cup officially kicks off on Friday morning, with Mexico hosting South Africa at 5am AEST.
Australia take to the pitch for the first time this Sunday, as they face Turkiye in Vancouver at 2pm.
