A key final piece of the CommBank Socceroos’ preparation jigsaw has fallen into place, with FIFA World Cup 2026™ co-hosts Mexico confirmed as a friendly opponent at an iconic venue.
The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, will host the May 30 fixture - the CommBank Socceroos’ final hit-out before the 23-26 player FIFA World Cup squad is finalised.
The historic Rose Bowl previously hosted the 1994 Men’s and 1999 Women’s World Cup finals. The 90,000-capacity stadium is also slated to host the Men’s and Women’s gold medal matches at the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
Mexico - 13-time CONCACAF Gold Cup champions - will officially open the FIFA World Cup 2026™ against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca on June 11.
The two nations first met in 1970 and have played six times since. The CommBank Socceroos have won twice, with three draws, the most recent being a stalemate in September 2023.
Quotes attributable to CommBank Socceroos Head Coach Tony Popovic:
“This will be one of our final friendlies before our opening FIFA World Cup match in Vancouver, against one of the UEFA Playoff winners,” Popovic said.
“It is also the last opportunity for players to impress before the final 2026 World Cup squad list must be submitted to FIFA.
“Mexico is a quality opponent and having automatically qualified for the tournament as co-hosts, every friendly is crucial for them.
“We are looking forward to this match, which promises a wonderful atmosphere at an iconic stadium.”
Quotes attributable to Football Australia’s Executive Director of Football and Deputy CEO, Heather Garriock:
“Football Australia has worked hard to ensure that the CommBank Socceroos have competitive matches ahead of the World Cup. Mexico, as co-hosts, provide ideal preparation,” Garriock said.
“California will be our FIFA World Cup 2026™ home, with our Base Camp in the San Francisco Bay Area. This fixture is a great chance for fans to get behind the Socceroos just a fortnight from our official World Cup opener.
“Following the Mexico match, the CommBank Socceroos will relocate to Bay Farm Island in Alameda, California, where they will train at the Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Soccer Club’s training base.”
Australia has been drawn in Group D and will take on the Winner of UEFA Play-off C in Vancouver (June 13), before facing World Cup co-hosts the United States in Seattle (June 19). Their final group-stage clash will be against Paraguay at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara (June 25).
Fans in Australia will be able to watch Mexico take on the Commbank Socceroos thanks to Football Australia’s broadcast partner, Paramount Australia.
Match Details
Date: Saturday, 30 May 2026 (local) / Sunday 31 May 2026 (Australia)
Venue: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California
Kick-off: 6pm local/11am AEDT (Sunday 31 May)
Tickets: : www.SomosLocales.com
Broadcast: Paramount+
COMMBANK SOCCEROOS RESULTS AGAINST MEXICO
| Date | Location | Type | Result |
| 01-12-1970 | Mexico City, Mexico | Friendly | L 0-3 |
| 24-08-1980 | Sydney, Australia | Friendly series | D 2–2 |
| 26-08-1980 | Melbourne, Australia | Friendly series | D 1–1 |
| 12-12-1997 | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | FIFA Confederations Cup | W 3–1 |
| 30-05-2001 | Suwon, Korea Republic | FIFA Confederations Cup | W 2–0 |
| 09-09-2023 | Arlington, United States | Friendly | D 2-2 |
