The Touré brothers snuck into their local football field after hours to play the game they loved, while the Yengi brothers kicked around makeshift balls made of plastic bags. Two of them have now made it onto the world stage as Socceroos.
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Wild scenes in Mexico City as fans fill the streets after World Cup opener
Thousands of Mexican fans spill onto the streets of Mexico City after El Tri's opening World Cup triumph against South Africa.
Topic:FIFA World Cup
Fri 12 Jun 2026 at 5:02pm
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic signs extension through to Asian Cup
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic gets his contract extended just days before Australia's World Cup kicks off to take the national team through to next year's Asian Cup.
Topic:FIFA World Cup
Fri 12 Jun 2026 at 5:32pm
Quick hits: Shakira shines, drinks break drama and Haiti's jersey ban
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is up and running, launched by a colourful opening ceremony and comprehensive win for Mexico. Here are the quick hits from the opening day of the tournament.
Topic:FIFA World Cup
Sat 13 Jun 2026 at 5:42am
Tony Popovic on playing and coaching in World Cups
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic is now stranger to World Cups, having playing in the 2006 edition. Now, he's coached the side to another edition 20 years later.
Topic:FIFA World Cup
Fri 12 Jun 2026 at 12:58pm
Shakira kickstarts World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico City
The World Cup 2026 opens with a vibrant ceremony as Shakira, Andrea Bocelli and a cavalcade of Latino stars blend with Indigenous Mexican displays at the Estadio Azteca.
Topic:FIFA World Cup
Fri 12 Jun 2026 at 11:25am
The head injury that almost ended it all for Mexico's 'miracle' man
In 2020, Mexico World Cup goal scorer Raúl Jiménez was lying on the turf of the Arsenal Stadium receiving oxygen after fracturing his skull and injuring his brain.
Topic:FIFA World Cup
Fri 12 Jun 2026 at 2:54pm
Late Socceroos great drives coach to 'do something extraordinary'
Australian soccer legend Johnny Warren once asked why Australia was content with just qualifying for a World Cup. Australia coach Tony Popovic is remembering that as he aims higher than ever before at the tournament.
Topic:FIFA World Cup
Fri 12 Jun 2026 at 10:31am
Socceroos vs Türkiye: How to watch Australia's World Cup opener
The Socceroos will face Türkiye in their first Group D match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Here's everything you need to know.
Topic:Explainer
Fri 12 Jun 2026 at 10:34am
Has England lost the most World Cup matches? Find out in our More or Less quiz
Which team has won the most World Cup matches? Has anyone lost more than England? Take our World Cup ranking quiz to find out.
Topic:Games
Fri 12 Jun 2026 at 8:06am
A record number of over-40s are at this World Cup. Here's why
A record number of players over 40 will feature at this year's World Cup. So what part does sports science play in keeping the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch longer?
Topic:Explainer
Fri 12 Jun 2026 at 8:33am
South Korea completes Czechia comeback, relief for Socceroos star
The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway as South Korea comes from a goal down to beat Czechia 2-1 and Mexico defeats South Africa 2-0 in an opening game which features three red cards.
Topic:FIFA World Cup
Fri 12 Jun 2026 at 3:39pm
FIFA president on Iran's participation in 2026 World Cup
FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks on efforts to ensure Iran could participate in the 2026 World Cup despite geopolitical tensions.
Topic:FIFA World Cup
Thu 11 Jun 2026 at 4:08pm
'Just chill, relax': Infantino defends World Cup visa issues, ticket prices
FIFA president Gianni Infantino defends soccer's governing body's handling of visa issues and ticket prices ahead of the World Cup.
Topic:FIFA World Cup
Thu 11 Jun 2026 at 4:08pm
What time is World Cup kick-off, Australian time?
Check out when your team's matches are kicking off at the 2026 FIFA World Cup so you don't miss a match.
Topic:FIFA World Cup
Thu 11 Jun 2026 at 1:01pm
Injury concern for Socceroos star on eve of World Cup
Socceroos striker Mo Toure is a no-show at the beginning of a scheduled training session, bringing his fitness into doubt just days out from their World Cup opener against Türkiye.
Topic:FIFA World Cup
Thu 11 Jun 2026 at 2:35pm
The $12 Billion World Cup: Inside FIFA’s Biggest Gamble
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest ever staged — but it’s also one of the most controversial.
Topic:FIFA World Cup
Thu 11 Jun 2026 at 9:55am
Socceroos prepare for the FIFA World Cup
Over the next five weeks, millions of football fans across the globe will watch the FIFA World Cup where Australia’s Socceroos have their first match on Sunday.
Topic:FIFA World Cup
Thu 11 Jun 2026 at 7:50am
Mexico City welcomes World Cup but reality bites for many
As Mexicans prepare to host or co-host the FIFA World Cup for a record third time, many locals are frustrated by being locked out of the tournament, while others are more optimistic.
Topic:FIFA World Cup
Thu 11 Jun 2026 at 7:02am
A peculiar peace prize and threatened boycotts: The rocky road to the World Cup
Struggled to keep up with the rollercoaster of controversies that plagued the build-up to this World Cup? We've got you covered.
Topic:Explainer
Thu 11 Jun 2026 at 9:57am
Albanese's frustration with Trump is becoming harder to hide
The Albanese government is paying an economic and political toll for an ongoing and deeply unpopular war.
Analysis by David Speers
Thu 11 Jun 2026 at 5:45am