Odds to follow as soon as the match has been priced up
Bets and Predictions for Australia at the 2026 World Cup
Australia will be looking to cause more upsets when the 2026 World Cup gets underway in USA, Canada, and Mexico. The Socceroos enjoyed their joint-best ever finish in the previous tournament and will be keen to emulate or better that Last 16 finish this time around.
Their ambitions again lie with distrupting the favourites and pushing towards another knockout phase. Here we round up everything you need for betting on Australia at the 2026 World Cup.
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Best Betting Markets for Australia
There are plenty of outright betting markets to explore for each and every phase of the tournament in USA, Canada and Mexico.
Individual match betting markets bring opportunities to bet on the action, but it is also important to consider other odds on how teams and players will perform across the whole of the World Cup competition. Here is a round-up and explanation of some of the top choices on offer for Australia with the best World Cup betting sites.
Australia to Qualify from Group
This is all about betting on a team to get of their respective group, regardless of what happens in the knockout stages. For teams like Australia, this would be seen as another good achievement and would give them a chance to cause more upsets in the next phase of the tournament.
This market means you win by qualifying and gives you a better chance of success than other unrealistic bets when betting on underdogs such as the Socceroos.
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Value Bet
Australia to qualify from group
Group Winner
Here you are simply backing the team you think will win the group. Some groups are stronger than others and have a number of teams vying for the runner-up position. Assessing the strength of each group, fixtures, and previous head-to-head results can give you clues.
Australia face another tough test to make it to the knock out stages with hosts USA the current favourites. They will also face another qualifier from UEFA path C, plus Paraguay. If you do think they can top the group D then they are priced at 11.00 with Unibet.
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Value Bet
Australia to win Group D
Group Forecast
This markets gives you the chance to bet on which teams come first and second in a particular group. In Australia’s group, USA will fancy there chances of qualification and there is still the unknown factor of an additional qualifier from Europe.
This bet offers better odds than just backing the outright group winner. If you can also correctly name the second-placed side you will get much better prices. There is a realistic chance that Australia could come second. Odds for this bet will be available once the additional qualifier is known.
Other Early Bets for Australia at the 2026 World Cup
Here you will find a few other interesting bets for Australia at the 2026 World Cup. These include top team scorer prices, fun wagers such as backing Australia to shock the world and lift the trophy, and to reach the final.
Key Data to Consider When Betting on Australia
Australia made it to the Last 16 in the previous World Cup with a team based on defensive strength, strong set-pieces, and making sure they were competitive across the pitch. You can get long odds on them to repeat that success this time around. Qualifying from the group would be an achievement for them once again.
Here are some things to consider when betting on Australia matches at the 2026 World Cup:
- Consider counter-attack talent – Australia may have to soak up some pressure at times but do have some emerging talent that can offer them a real threat, especially on the counter-attack. Middlesbrough’s Riley McGree, Watford winger Nestroy Irankunsa, Melbourne Victory’s Nishan Velupillay and young Norwich striker Mohamed Touré could all play important roles as the Socceroos look to play on the break at times, especially with a few of those as options from the bench late in games.
- Defensive solidity – Australia’s defensive strength was a feature of their performances at the previous World Cup and can be again. Clean sheets in crucial qualifying matches against China and Japan helped them make it to this tournament. Looking at clean sheet bets, low scoring encounters and set-piece betting could be the way to go.
Matches and Odds for Australia at the World Cup
Australia will play World Cup group games against USA, Paraguay, and another European qualifier at the World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico. Check out the dates and odds for each fixture. Odds for 1X2 prices will show ahead of each clash.
Australia vs TBD – June 14, 2026
USA vs Australia – June 20, 2026
Paraguay vs Australia – June 26, 2026
Australia World Cup Betting Predictions
Here you’ll find all of the AussieBet World Cup predictions for Australia. These tips will be automatically updated with key information about each fixture. Check back ahead of each clash to get important betting details, stats, and odds information.
Australia’s Form Ahead of World Cup 2026
Australia will be taking part in their seventh World Cup and their sixth consecutive tournament since 2006. Their best finishes came with Last 16 appearances in Germany 2006 and again in Qatar 2022.
They have quickly become known for having the ability to punch above their weight and cause a few upsets at World Cup, which will again be the target when they arrive in USA, Canada and Mexico. In the last World Cup they qualified from their group ahead of both Denmark and Tunisia before losing narrowly to eventual-winners Argentina.
Qualification to the World Cup 2026
Australia’s qualification campaign was one of mixed results and managerial upheaval before they eventually secured their place at World Cup 2026.
Head coach Graham Arnold, who oversaw the Socceroos’ excellent 2024 World Cup, decided to step down before taking charge of Iraq, leaving the post free for the arrival of compatriot Tony Popovic.
He rejuvenated the team’s performances and added some fresh faces to an experienced core group to secure their place. Australia ended with wins over China, Japan, and Saudi Arabia to head to the World Cup in much-improved form.
Head Coach: Tony Popovic – Stats and Achievements
Tony Popovic moved just a little away from the tried and trusted group of players in the Australia squad when he arrived. While injuries forced his hand on some occasions, he has still been more than willing to hand opportunities to new, younger players.
This was highlighted in the final clash with Saudi Arabia that secured the Socceroos’ place at World Cup 2026, featuring just four players from the final team under Graham Arnold’s reign. Adding a mix of younger options to Australia’s experienced core could prove an important factor in how they progress.
Popovic, who earned 59 caps for the Socceroos during his playing days, is no stranger to success as a manager. Most notably, he won the AFC Champions League with Western Sydney Wanderers in 2014 and was a two-time A-League minor premier winner with Wanderers and Perth Glory. He also led Melbourne Victory to A-League Cup glory in 2022.
Tony Popovic’s Australia Record
| Key Info | Stats |
|---|---|
| Years as head coach | 1 |
| Matches managed | 14 |
| Wins | 8 |
| Draws | 3 |
| Losses | 3 |
| Win % | 57.14% |
| Goals for | 23 |
| Goals against | 13 |
Tactical Profile and Betting Implications
Tony Popovic is a versatile manager but does base many of his team systems on a solid defensive set-up while trying to keep possession when on the ball.
His preferred system since taking over the Socceroos has been a 5-4-1 formation, often with a single central striker and looking to find overlaps in wide areas. Help with this also comes with his use of wing-backs that can influence the game high up the field when the opportunity arises.
Key Squad Members and Players to Watch
Australia has some good squad options to pick from ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The emergence of young talent under Popovic means they may have a few breakout stars. Let us talk you through some of the main players to look out for and how they could influence betting.
Mathew Ryan (Levante)
The Australia goalkeeper and skipper should be a starter for the Socceroos as long as he’s fit. He is another player that brings top level experience to the squad and the fact he is still regular in La Liga for Levante should see him handed the gloves for another World Cup.
He can expect to be pushed all the way by Paul Izzo, who has been selected in recent friendlies once qualification was secured.
Alessandro Circati (Parma)
Circati is another player that appears a guaranteed starter as long as injury doesn’t strike before the World Cup opener. He has previously captianed the Socceroos and is a regular starter for Parma in Serie A.
His partnership with fellow centre-backs Cameron Burgess and Harry Souttar will be vital at World Cup 2026. If Souttar doesn’t make it through injury then Milos Degenek may start in his place. Circati, meanwhile, is continuing to play a key role as Parma push away from relegation worries.
Riley McGree (Middlesbrough)
Riley McGree carries a lot of responsibility to be one of Australia’s main attacking outlets. He is another who has struggled with injuries but is looking to end the season well with Middlesbrough in the EFL Championship.
McGree can create, score goals, but also work hard in both wide areas or centrally. Playing narrow and coming in off the wing to allow space for Australia’s wing-backs to exploit can be where he does his best work. Getting forward to support a lone striker will also be important.
Mohamed Touré (Norwich)
Mohamed Touré has shone since a move to Championship outfit Norwich City from Danish side Randers, scoring a hat-trick in just his second game.
He has been given plenty of game-time by Popovic in recent matches and looks to be the main option to lead the line at World Cup 2026. The experience of Mitchell Duke could be used as his main back up.
The bookies will be offering huge odds on Touré in the World Cup top goalscorer betting market but perhaps an each-way bet in this market will still appeal if you think the youngster can fire in the group stages and beyond. Bet365 pays four places at 1/4 odds. Another option would be to back him to be his nation’s top scorer of the tournament.
Star Player: Jackson Irvine
The St Pauli central midfielder is key to Australia. He brings ability in a vital area of the pitch but also has a wealth of experience to call on.
The 32-year-old has over 80 caps for the Socceroos and his work-rate and tactical importance shoudn’t be underestimated. He has struggled with a few injuries recently but having him fit and ready for the World Cup would seriously increase Australia’s hopes of group qualification.
Irvine also offers a goal threat from midfield and excellent set-piece quality. An adaptability to be both defensively astute and offer an option in attack will be key to the different challenges his team will face.
Possible Starting XI for Australia
The Socceroos have some good young talent to balance out the experience and reliability of more seasoned campaigners. The main questions around team selection will come down to how Popovic looks to find the balance between the two.
Aziz Behich is a prime example of this in the left-back role. It is likely he gets the starting role given his reliability and need to focus on defensive duties. Jordy Bos is a more attacking option that may have a role to play from the bench.
Australia will be hoping the towering Harry Souttar returns from injury to marshal the heart of defence alongside Serie A talent Alessandro Circati. It is the attacking areas where some young talent could look to shine in 2026, especially the in-form Norwich striker Mohamed Touré. He should get in ahead of the experienced Mitchell Duke.
FAQs about Australia at the World Cup
What is the best bookie for betting on Australia at World Cup 2026?
The best betting site for betting on Australia at the 2026 World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico is bet365. They have been the quickest to offer additional markets and have live betting, and live streaming options. Unibet, PlayUp, Betr and Palmerbet are other decent choices to consider.
Can Australia qualify for the 2026 World Cup knockout stages?
Yes, Australia can qualify from their group. It won’t be an easy task but it is one they have achieved before. That will be the main goal of the Socceroos as they look to cause more upsets. They are priced at 1.91 with bet365 to make it out of Group D.
What is the best bet on Australia at World Cup 2026?
The best value futures bet on Australia looks to be to back them to qualify from the group. Another option when looking for value wagers is to back them in individual World Cup games to cause an upset.
Who will be Australia's top scorer at World Cup 2026?
It looks like Norwich City striker Mohamed Touré will be given the chance to lead the line for the Socceroos if his goalscoring exploits continue. He will be pushed for a starting place by Mitchell Duke but backing Touré to be Australia’s top goalscorer looks a good bet.