Updated June 26, 2026 — 11:39am,first published 11:18amA rogue flare has ignited over a sea of green and gold at Federation Square ahead of Australia’s high-stakes World Cup clash with Paraguay.Socceroos fans braved a chilly morning to queue before sunrise, forcing authorities to open the gates early and the live site quickly reached capacity.Socceroos fans have packed Federation Square.Justin McManusCrowd controllers resorted to megaphones to send hundreds more Socceroos supporters down the Yarra to watch the game on the big screen at AAMI Park.Federation Square resembled an outdoor nightclub early as fans, many in their late teens and early 20s, revved themselves up in the countdown to the 12pm kick-off.Fans were queuing hours before gates opened at Federation Square.Justin McManusA DJ had fans jumping to a mix of Australian favourites and classic hits, including Men at Work’s anthemic Down Under, Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond and Gala’s Freed From Desire.Less than an hour before kick-off, a flare was set off over Federation Square as the crowd started getting impatient ahead of the big game.Many teenagers among the group kept breaking into football chants, jumping and occasionally throwing plastic bottles.A fan was removed from Federation Square on Friday morning.Justin McManus“I feel like I’m at a school excursion,” soccer fan Philip Klenkowski, 32, said.The FIFO worker luckily didn’t have to take the day off work and despite coming alone said he’d made many mates.“Everyone’s super friendly,” he said.Ringwood local Sam Pragnell, 21, and Ferntree Gully resident James Ventura, 22, were excited to be among thousands who made it in.Socceroos fans head for Federation Square ahead of kick-off.Justin McManus“Pretty loud and electric, a little rough,” Pragnell said.Charlie Nagy came into the CBD last week for the Socceroos’ 0-2 loss to the US. He and two friends left his Watsonia home at 7.30am to secure a spot again for Friday’s clash but were too late.They were still hoping to bag a spot inside. “I’ll be behind the barrier, don’t worry,” he said.“We’ll make the party,” he said.Fans started to get impatient ahead of the midday kick-off.Justin McManusJeremy Lawler, 18, said his parents supported him skipping the last day of term to watch the Socceroos with mates.“It’s so loud but everyone’s just cheering on each other,” he said.The mood is jubilant, with groups frequently breaking out into chants.“It’s an absolutely crazy atmosphere,” Rocco Colaci said.He and mate Sinan Ucar were relieved to make it into Federation Square after lining up since 7am.Elsewhere in Melbourne’s CBD, workers donned Socceroos scarves and shirts on their way to the office.A much smaller group of Japanese supporters gathered in the neighbouring Transport bar to watch their team draw 1-1 against Sweden and book a berth in the knockout stage as the second-placed nation from group F.Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts on email or turn on notifications in the app.From our partners