Popovic’s Gamble Pays Off As Socceroos Deliver Famous World Cup Statement

The Socceroos arrived in Vancouver carrying one of the youngest starting line-ups in their World Cup history and a coach prepared to make the biggest calls of his tenure.

By the final whistle at BC Place, Tony Popovic looked like a man who had got every one of them right.

Australia opened its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a stunning 2-0 victory over Türkiye at BC Place in Vancouver on Sunday, June 14 (AEST), with Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe scoring either side of halftime while Patrick Beach justified his surprise selection with a string of outstanding saves.

Against a Turkish side packed with European stars and able to control possession for long periods, the Socceroos absorbed pressure, struck with ruthless efficiency and delivered one of their most complete World Cup performances in years.

The result gave Australia its first win in a World Cup opener since 2006 and immediately strengthened its chances of progressing from Group D.

Youthful Socceroos Rise To The Occasion

The pre-match discussion centred on Popovic’s team sheet.

Beach kept his place ahead of captain Maty Ryan. Paul Okon-Engstler started in midfield. Ten members of the starting side were making their World Cup debuts.

Any concerns about nerves disappeared quickly.

The opening stages were played at a frantic pace, with both teams looking to attack directly whenever possession changed hands. Türkiye enjoyed more of the ball, but Australia looked dangerous whenever space opened up behind the defence.

The breakthrough came after 27 minutes.

Okon-Engstler launched a long pass forward from inside Australia’s half and Irankunda did the rest. The Watford winger accelerated past his marker, steadied himself and guided a composed finish beyond Ugurcan Çakir.

The goal was Irankunda’s first at a World Cup and another reminder of why he is regarded as one of Australia’s brightest attacking talents.

Beach Answers Popovic’s Biggest Call

If Irankunda provided the headline moment, Beach delivered the reassurance.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper was one of the most talked-about selections before kickoff and spent the evening showing exactly why Popovic trusted him.

Only minutes after Australia took the lead, Abdülkerim Bardakci struck a powerful effort from outside the area that appeared destined for the top corner. Beach flew across goal and got enough on the ball to push it onto the post.

Türkiye continued to control possession and territory for much of the contest.

Arda Güler tested Beach from a second-half free kick. Zeki Çelik found space in behind during the final 20 minutes. Kerem Aktürkoğlu also forced a save from close range.

Each time, Beach responded.

Australia’s defensive unit deserved plenty of credit as well. Harry Souttar, Alessandro Circati and Cameron Burgess spent long periods under pressure but rarely allowed Türkiye clear opportunities inside the box.

Metcalfe Seals It

The longer the match remained at 1-0, the more dangerous Australia’s counter-attacking opportunities became.

Jordan Bos continued to find space down the left. Mohamed Toure worked tirelessly up front. Irankunda remained a threat until he departed to a standing ovation shortly after the hour mark.

Then came the decisive moment.

With 15 minutes remaining, Metcalfe collected possession outside the penalty area and shifted the ball onto his left foot. The finish was outstanding, curling beyond Çakir and into the corner to double Australia’s advantage.

For a Turkish side that had enjoyed more than 70 per cent possession, it was a brutal setback.

Australia had spent much of the evening absorbing pressure. When chances arrived, it made them count.

An Ideal Start

The victory immediately placed Australia alongside the United States at the top of Group D after the Americans defeated Paraguay earlier in the round.

More importantly, it rewarded Popovic’s willingness to trust youth on the biggest stage.

Okon-Engstler provided the assist for the opening goal. Irankunda scored it. Beach produced one of the performances of the match. Bos, Circati and Italiano all handled themselves well under pressure.

There will be tougher tests ahead.

But for a team that entered the tournament facing questions about experience, selection and depth, the opening night could hardly have gone much better.

Australia left Vancouver with three points, a clean sheet and momentum heading into its showdown with the United States.

Published 14-June-2026

Ormiston College Disputes Koala Corridor Claims Amid Campus Expansion Protests

Ormiston College has attributed much of the community opposition to its approved campus expansion to what it describes as misinformation, claiming that details of the project’s commitment to retaining a koala corridor have not been widely understood in the community.

Read: Conservation Battle Comes to a Head as Ormiston College Finishes First Round of Vegetation Removal

Headmaster Michael Hornby said there had never been any intention to remove all vegetation from the site, and that around 80 per cent of the existing vegetation area would remain intact. He said a number of people who had visited the site after raising strong objections were surprised by how much of the corridor was being preserved.

The college has since announced plans to install posters along the site fences to communicate the scope of the works to residents passing by.

What the Master Plan outlines

According to the college’s master plan, approximately one fifth of the area being cleared falls within the identified koala transit corridor. The remaining 80 per cent of koala transit zones across the campus are stated to remain untouched throughout the development.

Of around 600 trees earmarked for clearing across the project, 50 were classified as koala preferred food trees. The college states it has committed to planting 526 new preferred koala food trees within the existing corridor as an offset measure. Vegetation clearing has been carried out in stages, with no more than 50 per cent cleared at any one time and mandatory overnight rest periods between stages, in accordance with the college’s koala conservation plan.

On the question of approvals, the college states that the project followed the only lawful process available under Queensland planning legislation. Because koala corridor areas came under State jurisdiction in 2020, the development required a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation rather than a local council approval. Oodgeroo MP Amanda Stoker referenced the 80 per cent vegetation retention figure during a recent speech in State Parliament.

Works ahead and a wildlife corridor in the pipeline

Photo credit: Google Maps/Ormiston College

Stage one clearing is now complete. Stage two, covering oval earthworks and fencing, was expected to begin in late June or early July 2026, based on the timeline Mr Hornby outlined. The fencing is to be designed with provisions allowing koalas to move through the site.

Construction of an enhanced wildlife corridor is anticipated to begin around September or October this year. Mr Hornby described it as a significant undertaking in its own right.

Read: Ormiston College Master Plan Approved with Koala Habitat Conditions Attached

The college’s comments come amid ongoing protests from environmental campaigners over the impact of the clearing on local koala habitat. The college says it remains committed to ongoing communication with the wider community as the next stages of development proceed.

Photo credit: Google Maps/Ormiston College

Published 11-June-2026

Alexandra Hills Makes History as Local SES Sweeps Regional Awards

The tireless volunteers of the Redland City State Emergency Service have swept a major regional awards ceremony, claiming top honours for their outstanding disaster response efforts while making history as the event was held right in their own backyard of Alexandra Hills.

A Night of Local Pride

The celebrations took place on 16 May at the Alexandra Hills Hotel Convention Centre. This marked a special occasion for the community, as it was the very first time the broader Brisbane region gathered on the Redlands Coast to honour its emergency responders. The hometown advantage proved lucky for the local crew, who walked away with some of the highest forms of recognition for their dedication to public safety.

Half a Century of Service

The gathering was not just about yearly achievements, but also about celebrating a massive milestone for the entire state. The Queensland State Emergency Service marked fifty years of operation during the event. To honour the decades of hard work, Redland City group leader Cindel Richardson created and presented a special painting to mark the golden anniversary.

Sweeping the Major Categories

The local unit took home the Operational Response of the Year Award, which highlights teams that show highly effective and efficient action during major disasters or emergencies. Because of this massive regional win, the Redland City team is automatically put forward for the state-level prize, known as the Assistant Commissioner’s Shield.

In addition to the team victory, seven hard-working locals earned Regional Achievement Awards. The community proudly cheered on Cat Malcolm, Jenny Ross, Gaye Idec, Maria Forster, Lisa Nardone, Paul Tuckwood, and Belinda Brown for their individual efforts.

Leadership Praises the Crew

Local leadership was quick to share their pride in the volunteers. Acting Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group Acting Chair Julie Talty praised the team for their outstanding efforts in keeping residents safe when natural disasters strike. She pointed out that the local coast area is home to one of the hardest working and most highly awarded emergency response units in all of Queensland, adding that it was wonderful to see them honoured directly by their peers.

Supporting the Community in Every Way

The award-winning volunteers take on a wide variety of roles to keep their neighbours safe. While many people know them for their frontline work like repairing storm-damaged roofs, clearing fallen trees, conducting flood boat rescues, and running search and rescue operations, their work goes far beyond that. The unit also relies heavily on non-field members who handle vital administration, community education, and operational support tasks. Whether out in the extreme weather or coordinating from a desk, the entire team plays a crucial part in managing local emergencies.

Published Date 11-June-2026

Photo Credit: Redland City Council/ Facebook

Alexandra Hills Hungry Jack’s Celebrates Two 20-Year Staff Milestones

Two dining room attendants at Hungry Jack’s Alexandra Hills have celebrated 20 years at the restaurant, marking a long-service milestone built around regular shifts, customer contact and daily dining room work.

Two 20-Year Milestones At Hungry Jack’s Alexandra Hills

Two long-serving staff members at Hungry Jack’s Alexandra Hills have marked 20 years at the restaurant, celebrating the milestone with staff, customers and members of the Hungry Jack’s national team.

Meagan Le Lay and Sean Hennessy celebrated the occasion on 27 May after two decades in dining room roles at the Alexandra Hills store. A large cake was shared with customers as part of the celebration.

Both employees joined the restaurant through Connect2Group and have remained part of the store team across 20 years of regular customer-facing work.

Their duties include clearing tables, opening doors for customers, helping elderly patrons and taking orders to waiting cars.

Dining Room Roles Built Around Customer Service

Ms Le Lay, 39, of Carina, works three four-hour shifts each week. Her work at the restaurant has centred on helping customers and keeping the dining area running smoothly during her shifts.

Mr Hennessy, 38, of Cleveland, works two four-hour shifts each week. His role also keeps him in regular contact with customers, with dining room assistance forming a key part of his work.

The pair have also developed their own favourites at the restaurant. Ms Le Lay occasionally chooses a chocolate thick shake, while Mr Hennessy sometimes has a plant-based Whopper.

The 20-year milestone follows earlier recognition in 2021, when the pair had reached 15 years at the Alexandra Hills store.

Hungry Jack’s Alexandra Hills — *Photo Credit: Hungry Jack’s*

Store Manager Recognises Rare Long Service

Store manager Tom Lane recognised the pair for bringing different strengths to the workplace.

Mr Hennessy was described as a quiet and detail-focused staff member who enjoys coming to work. Ms Le Lay was described as outgoing and enthusiastic, bringing energy to the store.

Mr Lane said having the pair as dining room hosts made the Alexandra Hills store unusual, particularly given staff turnover at the restaurant was usually about five years.

He said reaching 20 years at the store was a special achievement. The next longest-serving employee at the store is Leigh Robinson, who has worked with the business for 16 years.

Celebration Shared With Staff And Customers

The milestone celebration brought together the Alexandra Hills team, customers and national team members to recognise two decades of service by Ms Le Lay and Mr Hennessy.

After 20 years, both remain part of the Hungry Jack’s Alexandra Hills team, continuing the dining room duties that have made them familiar faces at the restaurant.

Published 10-June-2026

Photo Credit: Hungry Jack’s

Hidden Cameras Discovered In Victoria Point Bathrooms Drive Demand For Stronger Privacy Protection Laws

A security breach involving hidden filming equipment inside a female public toilet cubicle at Victoria Point has triggered a widespread community push for a formal review of Queensland privacy protection laws.

Sophisticated Devices Uncovered

Privacy Protection Laws — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Local municipal workers first detected the privacy breach at Victoria Point during routine maintenance at a waterfront park reserve. Staff discovered an altered stainless steel plate that did not fit the wall correctly, held in place by an adhesive residue. Upon removing the plate, workers found a high-tech recording system hidden deep within the wall cavity, consisting of wiring and portable power banks.

Further investigations across the wider Redland Bay area revealed similar setups in two other popular public amenities. At one picnic ground, stainless steel backing plates had been removed so that camera lenses could be aligned perfectly with tiny holes drilled directly into existing metal screws. At another local showground, a cleaner discovered a length of plastic piping wedged beneath a sanitary bin, housing a hidden camera wired directly to an independent battery pack.

Evidence presented to the Cleveland Magistrates Court established that the individual responsible had filmed himself inside an unidentified public restroom while manually adjusting one of the concealed cameras.

Additional Charges and Court Sentencing

The discovery of the recording equipment led to a broader investigation, exposing a series of separate offenses across the region. The individual responsible was linked to the theft of vehicle registration plates from a local refuse facility, which were subsequently used to evade payment during two separate fuel thefts totalling several hundred dollars. The court also dealt with related charges concerning the possession of methylamphetamine and an illegal trespassing incident at a retirement village swimming pool.

During the legal proceedings, the prosecution informed the court that investigators were locked out of a personal tablet computer seized during the arrest. Because the individual refused to provide the security passcode, authorities could not verify the full extent of the captured footage or determine if other locations were compromised. To protect the privacy of potential victims, the presiding magistrate declined to play any of the recovered recordings in open court.

The court process concluded with guilty pleas entered for thirteen separate charges, including observations in breach of privacy, wilful property damage, stealing, drug possession, and trespass. A twelve-month prison sentence was handed down for the primary privacy violations; however, immediate release on parole was granted due to one hundred and forty-six days already spent in custody. An additional twelve-month sentence for withholding the electronic passcode was wholly suspended for one year, while convictions were recorded without further punishment for the remaining offenses. The individual was also ordered to pay full financial restitution for the stolen fuel.

Residents Mobilise for Legal Review

The immediate release of the offender back into the community has caused significant unease among local families who frequent the bayside parks. Many residents expressed frustration that the legal system permitted an immediate release given the calculated nature of the infrastructure alterations inside the public cubicles.

In response, a formal public petition has quickly gathered momentum across the region, securing one thousand four hundred and three signatures from concerned Queensland residents. The petition has been officially submitted to the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland.

The community document formally requests the Attorney-General to intervene and review the adequacy of both the charges and the final sentences. Organisers of the petition stated that the penalty does not match the severity of the systematic privacy violations and raised serious concerns that critical digital evidence was completely excluded from the court proceedings due to the locked electronic device.

Published Date 08-June-2026

Grieving Husband Has $1,427 Funeral Bill Waived After Cemetery Review

Shaun Hodges of Alexandra Hills had $1,427 in late charges wiped after cemetery management ordered a priority review of his case following media coverage, ending a distressing two-week ordeal that began the day after he buried his wife Judi.

Judi Hodges, 61, died on 24 March 2026 after years fighting leukaemia, outliving her original prognosis by almost two years. Her husband of 38 years laid her to rest at Hemmant Cemetery on 2 April. The next day, he received an invoice he had not seen coming.

“They just added to my grief, anxiety, and PTSD problems,” Shaun said. “Why does it take media pressure for someone to act?”

A bill that arrived the day after the burial

The $1,427 invoice was made up of three separate charges: a $208 late chapel fee, a further $315 additional late chapel charge, and a $904 late cemetery fee tied to overtime for staff to complete the burial.

Shaun said he had no warning during the service itself that time limits had been exceeded, despite deliberately booking the final timeslot of the day to avoid that kind of pressure. “There was nothing during the service to say we were running out of time,” he said.

McCartney Family Funerals, which handled the arrangements, was clear about where the charges originated. “Supporting families through moments like these is at the heart of what we do, and we understand that any unexpected cost associated with a funeral can add further distress during an already difficult time,” Managing Director Bryan McCartney said. The fees themselves, he noted, were not set by the funeral home but by the cemetery’s operators.

How the charges came to be reviewed

After Shaun’s story was reported publicly, the case was escalated and reviewed as a priority. The charges were subsequently waived in full.

Shaun said he felt relieved, but remained frustrated that the situation required public attention to reach a resolution. While thankful for the outcome, he questioned the dependence on outside pressure.

‘Why does it take media pressure for someone to act?’ he said.

For Shaun, the stakes of the dispute were not really about the money. He had cared for Judi full-time through her battle with leukaemia, watching her fight well past what her prognosis had predicted. She was, he said, “a fighter through and through, for everything, for the kids, for me.” To receive a surprise invoice the morning after laying her to rest compounded grief that was already immense.

A broader question about funeral charges

Shaun’s experience raises a question that applies beyond his individual case: whether the practice of applying overtime charges at a funeral service, without warning during the service itself, is appropriate, particularly when families are at their most vulnerable.

McCartney Family Funerals expressed empathy for the situation. Cemetery overtime charges are not unusual in Australian capital cities, but the absence of any in-service notification that time was running out appears to be the core of what made this case feel so unreasonable to the family involved.

Hemmant Cemetery is located at 140 Bulimba Creek Road, Hemmant, and is managed as a Brisbane metropolitan cemetery. Families with questions about cemetery fee structures can contact McCartney Family Funerals on 07 3286 4999 or visit their website.

Published 1-June-2026

Featured Image Credit: Vecteezy

Conservation Battle Comes to a Head as Ormiston College Finishes First Round of Vegetation Removal

Stage one clearing at Ormiston College is complete. The college confirmed on June 1 that initial vegetation removal had concluded and work vehicles had left the site, marking the end of a period that saw graffiti appear on school grounds, clearing temporarily suspended after a koala was found on site, and police called after a person scaled the fence.

Read: Ormiston College Master Plan Approved with Koala Habitat Conditions Attached

The bayside private school’s expansion was approved by the state through a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation, a lawful Queensland planning mechanism that allowed the project to proceed outside the standard local council approval pathway.

The approval gave the green light for more than 650 trees to be removed to make way for new sporting facilities, a boarding house, expanded teaching areas and an early learning centre. Community members opposed to the development argued the process had sidelined Redland City’s role in the decision.

Trouble flared in late May when the phrase “Leave Koalas Alone” appeared in spray paint at several visible points around the school grounds.

Community campaign holds firm, but distances itself from vandalism

Organised koala advocacy groups moved swiftly to separate themselves from the spray paint. In a public statement, a campaign spokesperson made clear the working group had no involvement in the incident and did not condone property damage in any form. The campaign said it would continue to pursue its goals through peaceful and lawful means.

The vandalism nonetheless lit up social media, dividing opinion sharply. Some online voices argued the impending loss of a significant stretch of koala habitat was a more serious matter than a few lines of graffiti. The graffiti drew fierce backlash from others on social media. The college disabled comments on its Facebook page, stating that the wellbeing of its students and school community was its first priority.

A koala, a fence jumper and questions about response times

The most notable incident during the clearing period came on May 26, when a fauna spotter discovered a young male koala occupying a tree that was among the next group earmarked for removal. People who witnessed the scene claimed it took close to an hour for clearing to be suspended and a protective barrier established around the tree. The college has made no public comment on the timeline of that response. On the same day, a person who had entered the site by climbing the fence was spoken to by police.

The college has been consistent in its defence of the project, arguing the expansion is essential to keep pace with student numbers projected to top 1,600. Ecological reports commissioned for the development characterised the area as a movement corridor for koalas rather than core breeding habitat, a distinction the college has cited in response to conservation concerns.

Master plan (Photo credit: ormistoncollege.com.au)

Conditions tied to the state approval require the college to carry out clearing in stages, deploy wildlife spotters throughout, and establish a minimum of 526 koala food trees as part of an offset program.

Read: Koala Habitat at Centre of Ormiston College Expansion Dispute

Before works began, conservation advocates had taken their opposition to Parliament House in Brisbane, contending that the Ormiston site sits within a meaningful koala travel corridor connecting broader habitat across the Redlands. Community members opposed to the project also raised concerns that the ministerial approval route had sidelined local council oversight.

The college has pointed residents to its Master Plan Information Hub for ongoing project updates as stage two preparations get underway.

Featured image credit: Google Maps/Ormiston College

Published 4-June-2026

One More Step: Socceroos Face World Cup Crossroads Against Paraguay

World Cup campaigns can turn on a single afternoon.

John Aloisi’s penalty against Uruguay. Tim Cahill’s volley in Germany. Mathew Leckie’s winner over Denmark that carried Australia into the knockout rounds four years ago.

The next opportunity arrives on Friday, June 26 (AEST), when the Socceroos meet Paraguay at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara with a place in the Round of 32 on the line. A point will be enough to secure second place in Group D behind the United States, while victory would send Australia into the knockout rounds with real momentum. Defeat would leave qualification resting on results elsewhere — a situation Tony Popovic has made clear he has no intention of relying on.

“We’re going into the game tomorrow to win,” Popovic said at his pre-match press conference.

“I expect they’ll be doing the same.”

Opportunity Knocks Again

The mood around the Australian camp has remained positive despite the 2-0 defeat to the United States.

Players and coaches have spent the week focusing less on the result than on the contrast between the two halves in Seattle. Australia struggled to handle the Americans’ intensity before half-time but looked a different side after the break, with Connor Metcalfe, Nestory Irankunda and Cristian Volpato helping swing momentum and ask far more questions of the tournament hosts.

Popovic believes that response says as much about his squad as the opening 45 minutes.

“We’re happy with the squad,” he said.

“The players responded extremely well in the second half and we’re growing day by day, even quicker than I anticipated.”

Selection, though, has again been forced upon him.

Mathew Leckie has been ruled out after injuring his hamstring against the United States, while Jacob Italiano will also miss the match after suffering an adductor injury at training. Both started Australia’s opening win over Türkiye, meaning fresh faces will again be asked to perform in one of the biggest matches of the tournament.

A Different Kind Of Contest

Paraguay presents a challenge unlike the two opponents Australia has already faced.

The South Americans arrive level on points with the Socceroos after defeating Türkiye 1-0 despite playing the entire second half with 10 men following Miguel Almirón’s dismissal. It was a display built on resilience, discipline and an ability to stay organised when the pressure mounted.

Assistant coach Paul Okon Sr expects another uncompromising contest.

“They’re a typical South American team,” he said.

“They have very technical players, but they also like to play in unorganised chaos where they have a backs-to-the-wall mentality. It’s going to be a fight.”

Almirón’s suspension removes one of Paraguay’s biggest attacking threats, but Popovic believes little changes.

“They’re here because they deserve to be here,” he said.

“We have a lot of respect for them, but we’re also very confident in our ability.”

Ready For The Fight

Australia’s record against South American opposition has rarely been comfortable, which is one reason the Socceroos deliberately sought out friendlies against Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela over the past two years.

Those matches exposed many of the players to the physicality, tactical discipline and unpredictability that often define teams from CONMEBOL.

Jason Geria expects more of the same on Friday.

“They fight for everything,” he said. “And they play like every game is their last.”

Australia knows exactly what is coming. The challenge will be matching that intensity without getting drawn into the sort of battle Paraguay thrives on.

Everything Still In Australia’s Hands

There has been plenty of discussion about Australia’s heavier travel schedule during the tournament compared with Paraguay, but the Socceroos have shown little interest in using logistics as an excuse. The squad established its base in Northern California before the tournament specifically to limit travel across time zones, and Friday’s match will be played less than an hour from the team hotel.

For Popovic, the focus has remained exactly where it has been since the squad assembled before the World Cup — on continual improvement.

The Socceroos earned plenty of belief from their victory over Türkiye. They learned some valuable lessons against the United States. Now comes the match that will determine whether those lessons were enough.

Ninety minutes against Paraguay.

Win or draw, and Australia’s World Cup journey continues.

Published 25-June-2026

FIFA World Cup 2026: Full Match Schedule, Results and Kick-Off Times

CLICK TO VIEW TEAM STANDINGS

CLICK HERE FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

MATCH RESULTS

Click the graphics to view game statistics from the FIFA Match Centre

Monday, July 20

5:00am AEST — Spain vs Argentina

Sunday, July 19

7:00am AEST — France vs England

Thursday, July 16

5:00am AEST — England vs Argentina

Wednesday, July 15

5:00am AEST — France vs Spain

Sunday, July 12

11:00am AEST — Argentina vs Switzerland

7:00am AEST — Norway vs England

Saturday, July 11

5:00am AEST — Spain vs Belgium

Friday, July 10

6:00am AEST — France vs Morocco

Wednesday, July 8

6:00am AEST — Switzerland vs Colombia

2:00am AEST — Argentina vs Egypt

Tuesday, July 7

10:00am AEST — USA vs Belgium

5:00am AEST — Portugal vs Spain

Monday, July 6

10:00am AEST — Mexico vs England

6:00am AEST — Brazil vs Norway

Sunday, July 5

10:00am AEST — Paraguay vs France

6:00am AEST — Canada vs Morocco

Saturday, July 4

11:30am AEST — Colombia vs Ghana

8:00am AEST — Argentina vs Cabo Verde

4:00am AEST — Australia vs Egypt

Friday, July 3

1:00pm AEST — Switzerland vs Algeria

9:00am AEST — Portugal vs Croatia

5:00am AEST — Spain vs Austria

Thursday, July 2

10:00am AEST — USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

6:00am AEST — Belgium vs Senegal

2:00am AEST — England vs Congo DR

Wednesday, July 1

11:00am AEST — Mexico vs Ecuador

7:00am AEST — France vs Sweden

3:00am AEST — Cote D’Ivoire vs Norway

Tuesday, June 30

11:00am AEST — Netherlands vs Morocco

6:30am AEST — Germany vs Paraguay

3:00am AEST — Brazil vs Japan

Monday, June 29

5:00am AEST — South Africa vs Canada

Sunday, June 28

12:00pm AEST — Jordan vs Argentina

12:00pm AEST — Algeria vs Austria

9:30am AEST — Congo DR vs Uzbekistan

9:30am AEST — Colombia vs Portugal

7:00am AEST — Croatia vs Ghana

7:00am AEST — Panama vs England

Saturday, June 27

1:00pm AEST — New Zealand vs Belgium

1:00pm AEST — Egypt vs Iran

10:00am AEST — Uruguay vs Spain

10:00am AEST — Cabo Verde vs Saudi Arabia

5:00am AEST — Norway vs France

5:00am AEST — Senegal vs Iraq

Friday, June 26

12:00pm AEST — PARAGUAY vs AUSTRALIA

12:00pm AEST — Türkiye vs USA

9:00am AEST — Tunisia vs Netherlands

9:00am AEST — Japan vs Sweden

6:00am AEST — Ecuador vs Germany

6:00am AEST — Curaçao vs Côte d’Ivoire

Thursday, June 25

11:00am AEST — South Africa vs Korea Republic

11:00am AEST — Czechia vs Mexico

8:00am AEST — Morocco vs Haiti

8:00am AEST — Scotland vs Brazil

5:00am AEST — Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar

5:00am AEST — Switzerland vs Canada

Wednesday, June 24

12:00pm AEST — Colombia vs Congo DR

9:00am AEST — Panama vs Croatia

6:00am AEST — England vs Ghana

3:00am AEST — Portugal vs Uzbekistan

Tuesday, June 23

1:00pm AEST — Jordan vs Algeria

10:00am AEST — Norway vs Senegal

7:00am AEST — France vs Iraq

3:00am AEST — Argentina vs Austria

Monday, June 22

11:00am AEST — New Zealand vs Egypt

8:00am AEST — Uruguay vs Cabo Verde

5:00am AEST — Belgium vs Iran

2:00am AEST — Spain vs Saudi Arabia

Sunday, June 21

2:00pm AEST — Tunisia vs Japan

10:00am AEST — Ecuador vs Curaçao

6:00am AEST — Germany vs Côte d’Ivoire

3:00am AEST — Netherlands vs Sweden

Saturday, June 20

1:00pm AEST — Türkiye vs Paraguay

10:30am AEST — Brazil vs Haiti

8:00am AEST — Scotland vs Morocco

5:00am AEST — USA vs AUSTRALIA

Friday, June 19

11:00am AEST — Mexico vs Korea Republic

8:00am AEST — Canada vs Qatar

5:00am AEST — Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

2:00am AEST — Czechia vs South Africa

Thursday, June 18

12:00pm AEST — Uzbekistan vs Colombia

9:00am AEST — Ghana vs Panama

6:00am AEST — England vs Croatia

3:00am AEST — Portugal vs Congo DR

Wednesday, June 17

2:00pm AEST — Austria vs Jordan

11:00am AEST — Argentina vs Algeria

8:00am AEST — Iraq vs Norway

5:00am AEST — France vs Senegal

Tuesday, June 16

11:00am AEST — Iran vs New Zealand

8:00am AEST — Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay

5:00am AEST — Belgium vs Egypt

2:00am AEST — Spain vs Cabo Verde

Monday, June 15

12:00pm AEST — Sweden vs Tunisia

9:00am AEST — Côte d’Ivoire vs Ecuador

6:00am AEST — Netherlands vs Japan

3:00am AEST — Germany vs Curaçao

Sunday, June 14

2:00pm AEST — Australia vs Türkiye

11:00am AEST — Haiti vs Scotland

8:00am AEST — Brazil vs Morocco

5:00am AEST — Qatar vs Switzerland

Saturday, June 13

11:00am AEST — USA vs Paraguay

5:00am AEST — Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

Friday, June 12

12:00pm AEST — Korea Republic vs Czechia

5:00am AEST — Mexico vs South Africa

MATCH SCHEDULES

All kick-off times are listed in Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) and derived from FIFA’s official match schedule as of 12-June-2026.

Key Socceroos Fixtures (AEST)

Sunday, June 14

2:00pm AEST — Australia (2) vs Türkiye (0)
Vancouver Stadium

Saturday, June 20

5:00am AEST — USA (2) vs Australia (0)
Seattle Stadium

Friday, June 26

12:00pm AEST — Paraguay (0) vs Australia (0)
San Francisco Bay Area Stadium

WEEK 1: GROUP STAGE — MATCHDAYS 1 & 2

June 12–18

Friday, June 12

5:00am AEST Mexico (2) vs South Africa (0)
12:00pm AEST | Korea Republic (2) vs Czechia (1)

Saturday, June 13

5:00am AEST — Canada (1) vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (1)
11:00am AEST — USA (4) vs Paraguay (1)

Sunday, June 14

5:00am AEST — Qatar (1) vs Switzerland (1)
8:00am AEST — Brazil (1) vs Morocco (1)
11:00am AEST — Haiti (0) vs Scotland (1)

🇦🇺 SOCCEROOS
2:00pm AEST — AUSTRALIA (2) vs TÜRKİYE (0)

Monday, June 15

3:00am AEST — Germany (7) vs Curaçao (1)
6:00am AEST — Netherlands (2) vs Japan (2)
9:00am AEST — Côte d’Ivoire (1) vs Ecuador (0)
12:00pm AEST — Sweden (5) vs Tunisia (1)

Tuesday, June 16

2:00am AEST — Spain (0) vs Cabo Verde (0)
5:00am AEST — Belgium (1) vs Egypt (1)
8:00am AEST — Saudi Arabia (1) vs Uruguay (1)
11:00am AEST — Iran (2) vs New Zealand (2)

Wednesday, June 17

5:00am AEST — France (3) vs Senegal (1)
8:00am AEST — Iraq (1) vs Norway (4)
11:00am AEST — Argentina (3) vs Algeria (0)
2:00pm AEST — Austria (3) vs Jordan (1)

Thursday, June 18

3:00am AEST — Portugal (1) vs Congo DR (1)
6:00am AEST — England (4) vs Croatia (2)
9:00am AEST — Ghana (1) vs Panama (1)
12:00pm AEST — Uzbekistan (1) vs Colombia (3)

WEEK 2: GROUP STAGE — MATCHDAYS 2 & 3

June 19–25

Friday, June 19

2:00am AEST — Czechia (1) vs South Africa (1)
5:00am AEST — Switzerland (4) vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (1)
8:00am AEST — Canada (6) vs Qatar (0)
11:00am AEST — Mexico (1) vs Korea Republic (0)

Saturday, June 20

🇦🇺 SOCCEROOS
5:00am AEST — USA (2) vs AUSTRALIA (0)

8:00am AEST — Scotland (0) vs Morocco (1)
10:30am AEST — Brazil (3) vs Haiti (0)
1:00pm AEST — Türkiye (0) vs Paraguay (1)

Sunday, June 21

3:00am AEST — Netherlands (5) vs Sweden (1)
6:00am AEST — Germany (2) vs Côte d’Ivoire (1)
10:00am AEST — Ecuador (0) vs Curaçao (0)
2:00pm AEST — Tunisia (0) vs Japan (4)

Monday, June 22

2:00am AEST — Spain (4) vs Saudi Arabia (0)
5:00am AEST — Belgium (0) vs Iran (0)
8:00am AEST — Uruguay (2) vs Cabo Verde (2)
11:00am AEST — New Zealand (1) vs Egypt (3)

Tuesday, June 23

3:00am AEST — Argentina (2) vs Austria (0)
7:00am AEST — France (3) vs Iraq (0)
10:00am AEST — Norway (3) vs Senegal (2)
1:00pm AEST — Jordan (1) vs Algeria (2)

Wednesday, June 24

3:00am AEST — Portugal (5) vs Uzbekistan (0)
6:00am AEST — England (0) vs Ghana (0)
9:00am AEST — Panama (0) vs Croatia (1)
12:00pm AEST — Colombia (1) vs Congo DR (0)

Thursday, June 25

5:00am AEST — Switzerland (2) vs Canada (1)
5:00am AEST — Bosnia and Herzegovina (3) vs Qatar (1)
8:00am AEST — Scotland (0) vs Brazil (3)
8:00am AEST — Morocco (4) vs Haiti (2)
11:00am AEST — Czechia (0) vs Mexico (3)
11:00am AEST — South Africa (1) vs Korea Republic (0)

WEEK 3: GROUP STAGE DECIDERS

June 26–28

Friday, June 26

🇦🇺 SOCCEROOS
12:00pm AEST — PARAGUAY (0) vs AUSTRALIA (0)

6:00am AEST — Curaçao (0) vs Côte d’Ivoire (2)
6:00am AEST — Ecuador (2) vs Germany (1)
9:00am AEST — Japan (1) vs Sweden (1)
9:00am AEST — Tunisia (1) vs Netherlands (3)
12:00pm AEST — Türkiye (3) vs USA (2)

Saturday, June 27

5:00am AEST — Norway (1) vs France (4)
5:00am AEST — Senegal (5) vs Iraq (0)
10:00am AEST — Cabo Verde (0) vs Saudi Arabia (0)
10:00am AEST — Uruguay (0) vs Spain (1)
1:00pm AEST — Egypt (1) vs Iran (1)
1:00pm AEST — New Zealand (1) vs Belgium (5)

Sunday, June 28

7:00am AEST — Panama (0) vs England (2)
7:00am AEST — Croatia (2) vs Ghana (1)
9:30am AEST — Colombia (0) vs Portugal (0)
9:30am AEST — Congo DR (3) vs Uzbekistan (1)
12:00pm AEST — Algeria (3) vs Austria (3)
12:00pm AEST — Jordan (1) vs Argentina (3)

WEEK 4: ROUND OF 32

June 29 – July 4

Monday, June 29

5:00am AEST — South Africa (0) vs Canada (1)

Tuesday, June 30

3:00am AEST — Brazil (2) vs Japan (1)
6:30am AEST — Germany (3) (1) vs Paraguay (4) (1)
11:00am AEST — Netherlands (2) (1) vs Morocco (3) (1)

Wednesday, July 1

3:00am AEST — Cote D’Ivoire (1) vs Norway (2)
7:00am AEST — France (3) vs Sweden (0)
11:00am AEST — Mexico (2) vs Ecuador (0)

Thursday, July 2

2:00am AEST — England (2) vs Congo DR (1)
6:00am AEST — Belgium (3) vs Senegal (2)
10:00am AEST — USA (2) vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (0)

Friday, July 3

5:00am AEST — Spain (3) vs Austria (0)
9:00am AEST — Portugal (2) vs Croatia (1)
1:00pm AEST — Switzerland (2) vs Algeria (0)

Saturday, July 4

4:00am AEST — Australia (2) (1) vs Egypt (4) (1)
8:00am AEST — Argentina (3) vs Cabo Verde (2)
11:30am AEST — Colombia (1) vs Ghana (0)

Sunday, July 5

1:00am AEST — Canada (0) vs Morocco (3)
5:00am AEST — Paraguay (0) vs France (1)

WEEK 5: ROUND OF 16

July 6–8

Sunday, July 5

1:00am AEST — Canada (0) vs Morocco (3)
5:00am AEST — Paraguay (0) vs France (1)

Monday, July 6

6:00am AEST — Brazil (1) vs Norway (2)
10:00am AEST — Mexico (2) vs England (3)

Tuesday, July 7

5:00am AEST — Portugal (0) vs Spain (1)
10:00am AEST — USA (1) vs Belgium (4)

Wednesday, July 8

2:00am AEST — Argentina (3) vs Egypt (2)
6:00am AEST — Switzerland (4) (0) vs Colombia (0) (3)

WEEK 6: FINALS SERIES

July 10–20

Quarter-finals

Friday, July 10

6:00am AEST — France (2) vs Morocco (0)

Saturday, July 11

5:00am AEST — Spain (2) vs Belgium (1)

Sunday, July 12

7:00am AEST — Norway (1) vs England (2)
11:00am AEST — Argentina (3) vs Switzerland (1)

Semi-finals

Wednesday, July 15

5:00am AEST — France (0) vs Spain (2)

Thursday, July 16

5:00am AEST — England (1) vs Argentina (2)

Third-Place Play-off

Sunday, July 19

7:00am AEST — France (4) vs England (6)
Miami Stadium

FIFA WORLD CUP FINAL

Monday, July 20

5:00am AEST — Spain (1) vs Argentina (0)
New York New Jersey Stadium

Maroons Heartbreak As Blues Rip Origin I Away In Stunning Sydney Comeback

MATCH REPORT

Published 27-May-2026

Read the Match Preview

Devastating for the Maroons at Accor Stadium in Origin I.

Kalyn Ponga’s sending off in a decision that immediately sparked controversy proved an enormous turning point. Andrew Johns was critical of the decision during commentary. It swung hard-fought momentum against Queensland, and the Blues produced an extraordinary final-minute play, with James Tedesco catching, juggling and grounding Nathan Cleary’s bomb.

For much of the night, Queensland looked in control.

Not just ahead on the scoreboard — in control of the contest itself. Their line speed was sharp, their middle forwards were winning collisions, Harry Grant was asking questions around the ruck, and Sam Walker, on debut in the most pressurised arena the game can offer, looked remarkably composed.

Then Origin did what Origin does.

It twisted.

A night that had looked set to become a major statement for Billy Slater instead became a brutal lesson in how quickly interstate football can turn when momentum shifts and belief takes hold.

Queensland led 20-0 after 20 minutes. They were still 20-6 ahead deep into the second half. And yet somehow, they walked away beaten 22-20.

That is the sort of loss that lingers.

Queensland Landed Every Early Blow

If there were doubts about Ponga getting the nod over Reece Walsh, or whether Walker was ready for this level, Queensland answered them quickly.

Robert Toia struck first in the ninth minute after early pressure forced the Blues into errors, and Walker converted.

It got worse for New South Wales from there.

Thomas Flegler, all aggression and direct running, punched through in the 14th minute after Queensland had started owning the middle. Selwyn Cobbo had already done damage with a strong carry in the lead-up, and the Blues suddenly looked rattled.

A few minutes later, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow crossed as Queensland continued to punish sloppy New South Wales football.

Walker never missed.

By the time he added a penalty goal in the 20th minute, the Maroons were 20-0 up, and Accor Stadium had gone from loud to uneasy.

Queensland weren’t just scoring. They were dictating the terms.

Munster was playing direct. Grant was probing. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Flegler were bending the line. Even defensively, the Maroons looked connected and aggressive.

At that point, it genuinely felt like the Blues were in serious trouble.

New South Wales Hang Around

Origin, though, rarely gives you a clean night.

Hudson Young’s try in the 27th minute finally gave the Blues something tangible to work with, trimming the margin to 20-6 after Cleary’s conversion.

Even then, Queensland still looked the more settled side.

They defended repeat pressure well enough and took that lead into half-time without looking especially rattled. But if you were watching closely, there were hints the game was changing shape.

The Blues had started to spend more time in Queensland territory. Their attack still lacked polish, but the game had become less comfortable than the scoreboard suggested.

And once that happens in Origin, strange things tend to follow.

The Turning Point That Changed Everything

The defining moment came just before the hour mark.

Ponga was sent off for a shoulder charge in a decision that immediately lit up debate.

Whether you agreed with it or not, the practical effect was obvious. Queensland suddenly had to survive a critical passage under enormous pressure, a man short, against a side that had finally found some rhythm.

The Blues took advantage.

Ethan Strange crossed in the 62nd minute after Stephen Crichton’s break opened the Maroons up, although Cleary’s missed conversion meant Queensland still had breathing room at 20-10.

But the feel of the match had changed completely.

The crowd sensed it. The Blues sensed it. Queensland, perhaps, sensed it too.

Cleary’s 40/20 in the 70th minute was the moment the pressure became suffocating. It was a champion’s play, the kind that flips field position and emotional momentum in one strike.

Seconds later, he backed it up by slicing through himself.

20-16.

Now the Maroons were no longer managing a lead. They were trying to survive.

Queensland Let The Game Slip

The temptation will be to make this all about the Ponga send-off.

It was enormous. Lose a player in Origin, against a side with Nathan Cleary pulling the strings, and the pressure changes instantly.

But Queensland still had chances to steady themselves.

Instead, just when composure mattered most, the mistakes crept in.

Robert Toia lost the ball. Harry Grant conceded a costly penalty. Selwyn Cobbo came up with an error. Jojo Fifita spilled possession.

None of those moments, on their own, decide a match.

Together, though, they handed New South Wales exactly what it needed — territory, repeat sets, and belief.

That’s how these games can turn. Not always in one dramatic flash, but in small moments where control slips away and suddenly the team chasing starts to smell something.

By the time Cleary launched that final bomb, Queensland no longer looked like a side closing out a win. They looked like a side trying desperately to survive.

And when Tedesco somehow came down with it — juggling, regathering, grounding — it felt like the kind of moment Origin keeps in its vault for years.

Queensland will argue the turning point. They’ll replay the send-off. They’ll point to what might have been.

But the harder truth is this: they had this game.

And they let it get away.

MATCH PREVIEW

Published 26-May-2026

Origin Opener Set For Sydney Showdown As New-Look Maroons Eye Early Blow

The first round of Origin is here.

For 2026, State of Origin starts at Accor Stadium in Sydney, before heading to the MCG for Game II and Suncorp Stadium for the decider.

The 2026 State of Origin series is the 45th edition of the men’s interstate best-of-three rivalry, with Queensland entering the campaign holding the historical edge — 25 series wins to New South Wales’ 17, with two series drawn.

For the Maroons, Kalyn Ponga has been selected over Reece Walsh by Billy Slater, while Sam Walker makes his Origin debut in place of the injured Tom Dearden. Max Plath debuts, with Jojo Fifita and Briton Nikora earning their first Maroons selections.

For the Blues, James Tedesco keeps Dylan Edwards out at fullback, while Laurie Daly has opted for Tolutau Koula out of position on the wing ahead of Zac Lomax and Jacob Kiraz. Injury to Mitchell Moses means Ethan Strange will start, while Addin Fonua-Blake finally gets his Origin debut.

The Maroons have won only two of their past 10 Origin games in Sydney, although one of those victories came last year.

Can Queensland pressure Strange enough to cut off quality ball to Nathan Cleary?

New South Wales appears to hold the upper hand through the middle, but Pat Carrigan and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui will relish that challenge.

Cleary versus Walker. Strange versus Munster.

Can Harry Grant put the Maroons on the front foot with his creativity around the ruck?

Can Max Plath and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow reproduce their Dolphin’s NRL form on the Origin stage?

This shapes as a classic Origin arm wrestle, with Queensland having won six of the past 10 series.

The game will be broadcast live on 9Now, with kick-off at 8.05pm.

New South Wales Blues

James Tedesco
Brian To’o
Stephen Crichton
Kotoni Staggs
Tolutau Koula
Ethan Strange
Nathan Cleary
Addin Fonua-Blake
Reece Robson
Mitch Barnett
Hudson Young
Haumole Olakau’atu
Isaah Yeo

Interchange

Cameron Murray
Victor Radley
Jacob Saifiti
Blayke Brailey

Extended squad

Casey McLean
Dylan Lucas
Matt Burton

Coach

Laurie Daley

Queensland Maroons

Kalyn Ponga
Selwyn Cobbo
Robert Toia
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Jojo Fifita
Cameron Munster
Sam Walker
Tom Flegler
Harry Grant
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Reuben Cotter
Kurt Capewell
Max Plath

Interchange

Briton Nikora
Lindsay Collins
Patrick Carrigan
Trent Loiero

Extended squad

Ezra Mam
Gehamat Shibasaki
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

Coach

Billy Slater