Australia

Australia's rising teenage stars have learned they'll be facing Japan in the semifinals of the Under-20 Asian Cup this week, as their coach delighted in his Young Socceroos also enjoying the chance of a lifetime at the Under-20 World Cup later this year.

Sydney FC have cashed in on the remarkable rise of Hayden Matthews, selling the Socceroos centre back to English Championship club Portsmouth for a club record fee.

Australia are yet to compete in an ASEAN Championship although Tony Popovic is hoping that will change.

Tony Popovic has thrown down the gauntlet to Daniel Arzani and other Socceroos hopefuls, declaring that only those who can raise their game to an elite level will "survive."

Australia coach Tony Popovic believes they will be ready for however different Indonesia could look under Patrick Kluivert.

Socceroos head coach Tony Popovic has said that MLS provides his players with a "good stepping stone" for their careers at both a club and international level.

Awer Mabil is on the hunt for a new club after the fringe Socceroos winger was released by Grasshoppers, while Jason Geria has netted a move to Albirex Niigata.

Socceroos star Nestory Irankunda is celebrating a loan move to Swiss outfit Grasshoppers, believing his switch from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich will only boost his global footballing education.

After matchday six of Asian World Cup qualifiers, our writers answer the burning questions, provide analysis and break down performances.

Australia have held on to the second automatic qualifying place in their 2026 World Cup group, drawing 2-2 in Bahrain after a dramatic finale.