Match Report
The CommBank Socceroos have been defeated 1-0 in the penultimate friendly match before the FIFA World Cup 2026™ at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California.
A goal to Mexico off the back of a set piece in the first half was the difference between the two sides.
The starting eleven featured a number of long-awaited returns. Mathew Leckie appeared for the first time since June 2024, while Harry Souttar started in his first appearance since November 2024.
Young forward Mohamed Toure and the experienced Jackson Irvine also returned to the starting eleven in the final hit out before the squad is selected for the global finals.
Souttar made his presence felt immediately, making a fantastic block within a minute of kick-off after an early Mexico set piece.
The World Cup hosts had much of the early running. Australia were forced onto the back foot, spending much of the first half defending against a Mexican side who had the majority of possession.
The pressure eventually told. Johan Vásquez got on the end of a header at the near post after a corner. It made its way in off the inside of the far post, beyond a diving Maty Ryan.
Australia almost equalised before half-time. A mistake at the back gave Toure a fantastic look a goal. It didn’t quite bounce for him, however, and the in-form striker dragged his shot wide of the post.
The second half started brightly for the Socceroos. A set piece created opportunity, a shot from distance from Aiden O’Neill having to be palmed away by a good save from the goalkeeper.
Twenty minutes into the half, Australia were the only team to have touches in the opposition box, exemplifying the shift in the match after the break.
Popovic turned to the bench in the 66th minute. Paul Okon-Engstler, Ajdin Hrustic, Nishan Velupillay and Kai Trewin were introduced as the Socceroos chased the equaliser.
