Socceroos Qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026

In June 2025, the Socceroos directly qualified for a sixth consecutive FIFA World Cup by finishing second in their Qualifying Group following a last gasp 1-0 win over Japan in Perth and then a 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia in Jeddah.

The Socceroos were based in Abu Dhabi for a 2-week training camp to acclimatise to the extreme Middle East summer heat, immediately prior to these matches.

Socceroos Head Coach, Tony Popovic, remains unbeaten in 8 World Cup qualifying matches as National Team Coach since being appointed in the early stages of qualification following the resignation of Graham Arnold.

Dr Jones first worked with Tony Popovic when Team Doctor for Western Sydney Wanderers in their first two seasons in the A-League (2012-2014).

Other notable achievements by the Socceroos in these recent World Cup qualifying wins include:

• The Socceroos win against Japan was their first win over Japan since 2009
• The win against Saudi Arabia was the Socceroos' first away win in Saudi Arabia since 2014

Socceroos coaches and support staff, inclusive of Dr Jones, are presently preparing the Team for the commencement of the FIFA World Cup which is due to kick off in USA/Canada/Mexico in June 2026.