Australia national football team, wey dem dey call Socceroos, don play international friendly match against Cameroon for Accor Stadium for Sydney. The match wey happen for March 27, 2026 na part of preparation for both teams as World Cup dey approach. Australia coach Tony Popovic use the opportunity to check new players wey fit make the final squad for the tournament.
For the match, Australia struggle to create clear chances for first half. Jacob Italiano and Jordy Bos wey play as wingbacks show some good performance, but overall team play no too impressive. Cameroon team no qualify for 2026 World Cup, and dem miss some key players like Bryan Mbeumo wey dey play for Manchester United. Coach Popovic talk say e dey disappointed say Mbeumo no play, because e want him players to test themselves against top opponents.
Meanwhile, for other FIFA Series match wey happen for Australia, China national team beat World Cup debutant Curacao 2-0 for Sydney. Wei Shihao and Zhang Yuning score the goals for China under new head coach Shao Jiayi. Curacao, with population of 156,000 people, become the smallest country ever to qualify for World Cup finals according to Xinhua News Agency report.
For Australia camp, coach Popovic address the issue of Cristian Volpato wey choose to play for Italy instead of Australia. Volpato wey dey play for Serie A club Sassuolo turn down chance to play for Socceroos for 2022 World Cup and now say e dey wait for Italy call-up. Popovic talk say: “If that’s the choice he’s made, then I wish him well. That’s all.” The coach emphasize say players must want to represent their country from heart.
Other players wey change allegiance include Adrian Segecic wey now play for Croatia and Nectar Triantis wey choose Greece. But Australia get new addition as Dylan Scicluna change from Malta to Australia. Popovic say dem dey monitor all eligible players for Australia regardless of where dem dey play.
Australia go play another friendly match against Curacao for Melbourne for March 31, 2026 before World Cup begin for June. The match against Cameroon serve as important test as Socceroos dey prepare for World Cup group stage wey dem go face Paraguay, Kosovo and co-hosts United States.
For qualification news, Kosovo dey close to qualify for their first World Cup appearance. The Balkan country wey get population smaller than South Australia need just win against Turkey for playoff match for Pristina to make history. If dem qualify, dem go join Australia for Group D.
China go face Cameroon for their second FIFA Series match for March 31, 2026. Chinese team include 10 U23 players after dem finish as runners-up for AFC U23 Asian Cup for January. Coach Shao Jiayi use the matches to build team for future competitions.
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