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Mexico down slow-starting Socceroos in opening FIFA World Cup friendly
Jaiden Sciberras • May 31st, 2026 4:31 pm
The Socceroos participated in their first pre-FIFA World Cup friendly, losing 1-0 in a fiery clash with host nation Mexico at the Rose Bowl, California.
Here's everything you might have missed from the warm-up fixture.
Squad selection
Manager Tony Popovic and the Socceroos entered the friendly with 26 of the remaining 30 pre-camp players selected in the matchday squad, with Brandon Borrello, Joe Gauci, Tete Yengi and fresh arrival Cristian Volpato left out.
As explained by the manager pre-game, the lineup was an opportunity for management to take a closer look at a wide variety of players that are pushing for a spot in the final squad.
"There are various reasons for the lineup," Popovic said pre-game.
"There's a good mix between players that have been in camp for a while that we'd like to see what they can do, and some senior boys that we haven't seen for a while.
"We've also got guys like Harry (Souttar), who hasn't played - it will be nice to see him out on the pitch."
Despite several players going without minutes ahead of tomorrow's deadline, Popovic has maintained that spots are still open for all that are present at pre-camp.
"Yeah of course," he said.
"We have an idea of what we'd like to do.
"All of the players deserve to be here, including the ones that aren't on the team sheet today.
"We will make some decisions tonight and tomorrow morning on the best squad that we believe can do Australia proud at the World Cup."
The Socceroos have confirmed that the final FIFA World Cup 26 will be released tomorrow, Monday June 1st.
Starting XI
Popovic opted to field what many would expect to be the Socceroos' preferred XI ahead of the World Cup, with potential for a few changes ahead of their opener in two weeks.
Goalkeeper: Mathew RyanDefence: Jordan Bos, Lucas Herrington, Harry Souttar, Alessandro Circati, Jacob ItalianoMidfield: Connor Metcalfe, Jackson Irvine, Aiden O'Neill, Mathew LeckieAttack: Mohamed Toure
Outside of the potential for Nestory Irankunda to start and the potential inclusion of Cristian Volpato, this isn't predicted to be too far from the Socceroos' best XI.
Herrington was preferred over Cam Burgess at the back, with Aiden O'Neill awarded the central midfield spot beside captain Irvine.
State of play
The Socceroos were - for lack of a better term - poor in the first half. Only mounting three shots and none on target in the first 45, Mexico were well and truly in control.
Despite entering the game with a rotated side, Mexico maintained 76 per cent of possession and all of the attacking play, scoring once from their 11 shots in the opening half.
As has become a rather common feature of the Socceroos under Tony Popovic, the second half was a complete contrast.
Fighting back to own a majority of possession across the final 45, Australia mounted four shots and a majority of attacking opportunities - albeit against a Mexico side that made 11 changes after the break.
Nestory Irankunda was only given the final 10 minutes plus stoppage time to have an influence, replacing Mo Toure.
The Socceroos' lack of attacking threat early was the difference.
Changes
Paul Okon-Engstler was rewarded with his chance in midfield, replacing Aiden O'Niell as one of four changes at the 67 minute mark.
Ajdin Hrustic replaced Mathew Leckie on the right hand side of attack, and would ultimately slot into central midfield in added time, with Jackson Irvine making way for Awer Mabil to push forward.
Kai Trewin entered the game at right wing back for Jacob Italiano, making an immediate impact going forward to set up Hrustic for arguably Australia's best chance.
Nishan Velupillay also entered at the 67th minute for Connor Metcalfe.
Jordan Bos was given a rest after 80 in exchange for veteran Aziz Behich, while Cameron Burgess replaced Lucas Herrington in the 90th.
Harry Souttar post-game
“Disappointing in the end to lose, but there were plenty of positives to take from it,” Souttar told Paramount.
“Our second half performance, our last 15 minutes of the first half after the first drinks break, we changed our press a little bit, went a little bit more man for man and it brought a little bit of joy.
“A lot of chances in the second half, I thought we were the better side in the second half, but ultimately we couldn't get that goal.
“To concede off a set piece was disappointing, but it’s one to work on going forward. Plenty of positives to take, that’s for sure.”
On the upcoming squad selection:
“Obviously the squad is not announced yet, so I don’t want to say anything yet. There’ll be a couple of disappointed boys that are going to miss out, which is obviously a tough thing. It’s a real shame, but that’s football.
“Every day now feels that it’s getting closer and it’s getting more real. Disappointing result tonight, but so many positives to take moving forward.”
Popovic and the Socceroos' selection panel have some big decisions to make ahead of tomorrow's deadline, with a friendly against Switzerland on Sunday June 7 marking the final warm-up before their World Cup opener against Turkiye.
