Australia's World Cup preparations suffered a setback as they lost 1-0 to Mexico in a friendly at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. The Socceroos dominated the second half but failed to convert their chances, extending their run of away defeats to four matches.
Mexico led 1-0 at half-time after a dominant first-half display. Australia improved after the break, creating two clear opportunities through Mohamed Toure and Ajdin Hrustic, but neither could find the net. The result means Australia have now failed to score in their last three away games.
Manager Tony Popovic will announce his 26-man World Cup squad on Sunday. He left out Brandon Borrello, Joe Gauci, and Kusini Yengi from the matchday squad, with the only remaining decision being who makes way for Cristian Volpato. Key players such as Milos Degenek, Craig Goodwin, and Martin Boyle did not feature.
Defender Harry Souttar was a standout, proving his fitness and ability to influence games at both ends of the pitch. However, set-piece delivery and a lack of attacking ruthlessness remain concerns. Australia's next friendly is against Switzerland on Sunday, before they face Turkiye in Vancouver on 13 June.
Mexico, meanwhile, have kept six clean sheets in seven matches in 2026, conceding just one goal. They will announce their World Cup squad on Sunday and face Serbia in a friendly before their tournament opener against South Africa on 11 June.
