June 14, 2026 — 9:50amPromising seven-year-old striker Keeley Hughes said she was most looking forward to cheering on Sam Kerr on Sunday, even though Kerr won’t be in the mix when the Socceroos open their FIFA World Cup campaign. Blame the lasting effect of Matildas mania that gripped the nation during the 2023 Women’s World Cup.Keeley will be watching the match from her local oval with her family and football club, Pagewood FC, and had some sage advice for the Socceroos against Türkiye: “Get lots of goals”. The twin scored three goals in her own match on Saturday, while her sister Harper “did lots of good marking” as defender.Pagewood Football Club twins Harper and Keeley Hughes are pumped for the Socceroos in the lead-up to their opening match on Sunday AEST at 2pm.Sitthixay DitthavongPagewood FC’s Juliet Kacen, Keeley Hughes, Ada Nesbitt, Harper Hughes, Mason Pierce, Jesse Pierce and Allie Kacen throw their support behind the Socceroos ahead of their opening match against Turkiye.Sitthixay DitthavongMeanwhile, Pagewood’s Jellicoe Park was bursting with green and gold on Saturday in preparation for the big event, as World Cup fever set in ahead of Australia’s kick-off at 2pm AEST on Sunday.The 48-team tournament is co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. This Australian group stage game takes place outside of work and school hours, while the team’s next group stage matches are scheduled for Saturday, June 20, at 5am and Friday, June 26, at 12pm.Avid fan Juliet Kacen, 9, already plans to wake up for Australia’s 5am start. She said that she and her six-year-old sister cheer even louder than their dad. “We have a big party, watch it on the couch,” Juliet said. “We get popcorn, snacks and lots of mini pies.”Allie and Juliet Kacen at Jellicoe Park in Pagewood on Saturday.Sitthixay DitthavongFree live sites will screen Sunday’s match across Sydney, as parks, pubs and living rooms turn to the Socceroos’ first big chance at three points in Vancouver.Pagewood player Sam Butcher said he’s also “really loud” when watching games, and that he plans to barrack for his favourite player, Jordan Bos, at Allianz Stadium’s free screening: “When they say Aussie Aussie Aussie, I say Oi Oi Oi,” the nine-year-old midfielder said.The Under-7 Blue OLQP Falcons cheer on the Socceroos before their opening game of the 2026 World Cup against Turkey. From left: Zachary, Aidan, Isaac, Jesse, Ethan, Maxwell and Roman. Brad SlyWhere to watch Socceroos v Türkiye in SydneyTumbalong Park, Darling HarbourCathy Freeman Park, Sydney Olympic ParkParramatta Square, ParramattaAllianz Stadium, Moore ParkPlayford Park, BankstownThe Canopy, Lane CoveBlacktown Football Park, Rooty HillOther notable Socceroos to draw the attention of Pagewood’s youth are Jackson Irvine, Nestory Irankunda and Mohamed Touré, who “score some bangers”, but most of the young players are still predicting that France will win the trophy.Young Socceroos fans at Ewen Park in Hurlstone Park on Saturday, ahead of the Australian team’s first World Cup match on Sunday.Audrey RichardsonFrom left: Archie Marigliano, 12, Ari Sutton, 12, and Alice Jeffreson, 12, wear their Socceroos support on their necks, heads and sleeves in Hurlstone Park on Saturday.Audrey RichardsonIn the inner west, Hurlstone Park Wanderers player Ari Sutton said that Socceroos goalkeeper Matty Ryan was his favourite. The 12-year-old predicts Australia will make it out of the group stages, and hopes they will win a knock-out game or two.“The World Cup only comes once every four years so it’s good to watch it,” Ari said, even though it makes his mum yell “really loud”.For Juliet, the Socceroos should keep in mind the same advice she delivers as assistant coach to her little sister’s under 7s team: “Have fun – and win”.News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.From our partners