Australia secured a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the second consecutive time after a goalless draw against Paraguay on Friday afternoon. The result, achieved in a match played entirely within Australian working hours for the first time in history, sent fans across the country into celebration.
Pubs Overflow with Fans During Work Hours
Pubs in major cities were packed from Friday morning with supporters donned in gold and green, many nursing pints alongside their work laptops. Small business owners Jamie Hayman and his brother Rick Hayman were among revellers at the Golden Barley in Sydney's inner west who refused to let their jobs keep them from the action. Rick, who owns a local construction company, had been completing work admin with his staff before the match. He said he had supported the Socceroos 'forever' but noticed a recent shift in community spirit. 'It unites the community,' he said. 'That's what you notice. Pubs get filled up, there's all the talk around town, it's really good to see.'
Alongside them were four old friends, including Nick, who had been sitting in the front row at the Golden Barley since it opened, Guinness in hand. He wore an authentic 1974 Socceroos jersey, marking the historic first year Australia qualified for a World Cup. Nick and his partner Robyn said they missed the traditional early-morning viewing due to time zone differences. 'We were just saying this morning, we used to wake up in the middle of the night, it used to be really good,' Nick said with a laugh. 'It's a unique experience. A family experience.'
Hundreds Pack the Vic on the Park
Down the road at the Vic on the Park pub, hundreds of fans were packed tightly, the atmosphere a mixture of jubilation and fear. Rain during the first half forced supporters to throw jackets and Socceroos scarves over their heads and unfurl ponchos. After a goalless 80 minutes, chants of 'Aussie, Aussie, Aussie' rang out, accompanied by the howl of a dog in the front bar. As extra time ticked down, cheers echoed through the pub. A bald man with a stick-on Australian flag tattoo hugged his friends.
Some fans had booked leave as soon as the schedule was released, while others had not planned so far ahead. Sophie and her son Orson, in year 11, were also at the Vic when Australia lost 2-0 to the USA earlier that week. Orson was skipping school for the last day of term, and Sophie was quietly working away from her phone. 'This is of national importance,' she said. 'I really want Oscar to hear a goal in the pub, just to hear us lift.' Oscar, who hopes to become a football coach, said Australia was showing it could be a big footballing country. 'Football's growing,' he said. 'It's been brilliant, so cool to see so many people supposed to be working coming to support their country.'
Melbourne's Federation Square Draws 7,500
At Melbourne's Federation Square, an estimated 7,500 people turned out, according to Victoria Police. All had arrived hours early to secure a spot, with the square reaching capacity by 10am. Multiple high-stakes games of flip bottle broke out, complete with tearful cheers when a successful flip was completed. Others loudly boasted about how they 'wagged' to be there, or received permission from their parents to miss classes. The national anthem was played to an explosion of seven flares, resulting in the arrest of a 16-year-old. Occasionally, an unseen force sent a wave of people stumbling. Once the crowd regained their footing, they turned to the culprit, shouting 'wanker' in unison. Three teenagers were issued penalty notices for riotous behaviour and moved on, police said.
Former Socceroo Craig Foster Praises Team
Former footballer Craig Foster, who was at Federation Square, described the match as a 'near perfect game' for Australia. 'The squad depth has been demonstrated,' he said. 'They've done exactly what was required … Australia is managing well, learning very quickly, and it's a beautiful day anytime the Socceroos get through to knockout rounds. We are here. We're still in this tournament, and we're fighting all the way. There's nothing better in life.' Teenager Ali Abolhasani and his friend had a wilder time, falling to the ground and losing their shoes along the Federation Square barricade. Asked how he was feeling after the game, Abolhasani replied: 'Amazing. I can't wait to come back next week. We did an all-nighter, we couldn't sleep because we knew we'd make it … We'll do it again.'
World Cup Fever Hits Canberra
In Australia's capital, World Cup fever had well and truly arrived, even if the small two-screen arrangement at Garema Place was less than ideal for the crowd of more than 500 football fans. ACT Senator David Pocock made an appearance, telling Guardian Australia it was great to see such a diverse crowd unite behind the national team. 'The Socceroos, as it's been talked about this week in parliament, represents what is so great about Australia,' he said. 'We do have so many people from diverse backgrounds coming together, and you see the way that that resonates across the country.'
