Match Preview: CommBank Socceroos v Cameroon | FIFA Series 2026™

The CommBank Socceroos will take on Cameroon in the first game of the FIFA Series 2026™ in Sydney, as the squad continues to prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

It is a last chance for the squad to impress Head Coach Tony Popovic as they look to bed down principles to take them into the global finals in June.

The game against Cameroon is the first in a two-game series against high quality opposition in their final games on home soil ahead of the World Cup.

The Squad

Head Coach Tony Popovic initially made twelve changes to the squad that competed in the November international window. These include players returning from injury, two first-time call ups in Lucas Herrington and Ante Suto, and a potential debutant in Deni Juric.

There has also been a change in the squad, with Kye Rowles coming in to replace Fran Karacic, who has a foot problem.

For many of the players, it is a chance to impress the staff ahead of the World Cup in a bid to make the final 26-player squad.

"We've felt a strong connection [within the squad] from the outset, which is really positive for us as a staff and the group," Popovic said in the pre-match press conference.

"They can see what we're trying to build, that it's all about the collective in everything that we do. We want to keep evolving, keep getting better, and we want to do something special at the World Cup. They're all excited that they have a chance to be a part of it, and this is an opportunity for them to to play here at home. It's always a privilege to play for your country, but they know how close the World Cup is. 

"But we don't want them to play with anxiety tomorrow. We want them to play with the freedom and confidence that's been given to them, which is why they are selected. We've really emphasised that - us playing well, but expressing yourself within the structure and the positioning that we want on the field, and enjoy playing for your country and enjoy playing tomorrow night."

Last Window

The Socceroos suffered two losses in the previous international window, falling 1-0 to Venezuela before losing 3-0 to an extremely talented Colombia side.

Popovic explained that they'd been working in this camp on some of the things that will help them succeed this time around.

"We've been working well so far, predominantly things that we'd like to do better with the ball - just being more more confident in our decision making, playing the moments better, reading the game better, and knowing what the next play should be," he said.

"So we've been working on some things on the field. I want to go into real detail in what that is, but I think the players have enjoyed the last couple of days and the focus that we've had."

The Opponent

Cameroon are a sleeping giant going through a rebuild after failing to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

The most experienced player in Head Coach David Pagou's squad is goalkeeper Devis Epassy, with only 15 caps for the national team. There are 12 potential debutants and a whole host of new talent ready to impress on the international stage. Only four players remain who were in the 23-player squad defeated by Morocco in the quarter-final of AFCON back in January.

This reset has been supported by the head of the Cameroon Football Association, legendary player Samuel Eto'o. 

Such is the quality of Cameroonian football, however, that these young players still boast significant pedigree. Even after the withdrawal of Manchester United Brian Mbeumo through injury, there are still nine players who ply their trade in the top flights of England, France and Germany. 

19-year-old Christian Kofane is among the most exciting players in the squad, playing regularly for Bayer Leverkusen and having already scored three goals in five games for the senior national team.

FIFA World Rankings

Australia: 27
Cameroon: 44

Form Guide

Australia form guide: L-L-L-W-W

Cameroon form guide: L-W-W-D-W

What They Said

Tony Popovic

We're delighted [Cameroon are] here. You know, we know the history that they've had in football. I'm sure they'll be disappointed they're not going to the World Cup - but that doesn't take away from the challenge that we have in front of us. They're very physical. They have great individuals, and it's a good challenge. It's one that we're looking forward to. 

Putting aside who we're playing, which is always a pleasure to play teams from different continents and different styles, I'm really looking forward to seeing what the boys can do and what we can do on the field, with and without the ball. That's probably the most anticipated part for me, looking forward to seeing them out in the park and really playing well.

Patrick Yazbek

The first thing is to enjoy it. Both of us live overseas, away from the country that we love, and to be able to represent Australia is the biggest honour. To be in Sydney, the place that I'm from, and then obviously go to Melbourne, that's the biggest opportunity I would get all year. So I'll enjoy it, but also put my best foot forward to the boss and show the country and show the staff that I deserve to be here and I deserve to be in the team, and just make myself and Australia proud.

Jacob Italiano

My family is going to fly over from Perth as well to watch the games, which is extra special. I haven't seen them for a little while, so that'll be nice. It is just about showing the boss, the fans, the team, that you belong here and that you're capable of doing a really good job for Australia, and showing what you can do.

Ante Suto

It's an unbelievable feeling. I'm honoured to be here, honoured to represent Australia. It's just amazing. I couldn't believe it at the first time, but now I'm here and can't wait to play in front of the home fans.

Deni Juric

We've got a lot of a lot of quality strikers throughout throughout the world, and all of us are doing our job the best we can to fight for our spot here. Hopefully I can do my job the best, and hopefully I can get my spot here.

Maty Ryan

Tony [Popovic, Head Coach] does a great job at creating that environment that there's no hierarchy. Just because someone is senior or more experienced, or someone is younger and less experienced, it doesn't meaan thatthat this player is the number one for that position, or this player is the number two. Tony showed in his selection for games throughout his career as national team coach so far, that if he perceives someone to be ready, then he puts them in and gives them an opportunity, and then it's down to the player to take those opportunities. So I'm just trying to do the same every opportunity I get, try and make the most of it, and that's what the jersey and the badge in our country deserves.

Alexander Robertson

It would mean the world [to make the World Cup squad] - something I dreamt of as a little kid. Even just playing for Australia, I dreamt of since I was a little kid. I'd never take it for granted. Hopefully I get few more games and just play as much as I can.

Ajdin Hrustic

Every camp is important. Every camp is special. You've just got to enjoy it. Enjoy every moment you get. If it's your first, your fifth, your hundredth cap, enjoy it and just get out there and be yourself. 

Awer Mabil

I was just grateful to get called up again and to be amongst it again. I've missed it. So it was nice to be considered again. It's something that I have to enjoy every moment of. When you're not here, you realise when you're away from it, how special it is to represent your country. It's something that I'm grateful for, to be back.

Match Details

Australia vs Cameroon

Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Date: Friday 27 March 2026
Kick-off: Australia vs Cameroon (8.10pm AEDT), China PR vs Curacao (5:00pm AEDT)
Broadcast: 10, 10 Drama, 10 Streaming and Paramount+
Tickets: Buy tickets here