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Jackson Irvine arrives at San Francisco airport.

The Socceroos’ only political statement at this World Cup will be themselves

Jackson Irvine led Australia’s video protest statement against Qatar’s human rights record four years ago. Times have changed, and the team are taking a different approach to this World Cup.

  • Vince Rugari

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A Brazil soccer fan reacts to a goal by Cameroon against Brazil at the World Cup, hosted by Qatar, played on a screen set up at the FIFA Fan Fest Arena on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Dec. 2, 2022.

The beautiful chaos of the old FIFA Fan Fest is gone. What’s left is fabricated fun

The reinstatement of Melbourne’s Fed Square World Cup live site was a win for the authentic soccer fan experience. But at the tournament itself, the official FIFA fan zone continues to alienate supporters.

  • Emma Kemp
Tony Popovic had to wait a few hours before he could explain to the media his thoughts on Australia’s World Cup draw.

Amid a propaganda extravaganza, FIFA finally gets round to a World Cup draw

Socceroos coach Tony Popovic was an hour late for his virtual media conference, thanks to Donald Trump.

  • Emma Kemp
When Luis Rubiales kissed Jennifer Hermoso after the final of the Women’s World Cup in Sydney it brought into the open behaviour which had long been problematic.

‘He wanted to control everything’: Inside the sexist world of Spanish women’s soccer

Women involved in Spanish soccer say they have endured everything from paternalism and offhand remarks to verbal abuse.

  • Rachel Chaundler, Sarah Hurtes and Jeré Longman
Jennifer Hermoso and Luis Rubiales on the podium in Sydney after the World Cup final on August 20.

Hermoso files sexual assault complaint against Rubiales over World Cup kiss

Soccer star Jenni Hermoso has filed an official complaint after she was kissed by federation boss Luis Rubiales after Spain’s World Cup win in Sydney.

The newly built Allianz Stadium in Moore Park, home to the Sydney Roosters.

Parking own goal during World Cup as FIFA takes over Moore Park

FIFA will commandeer the grass car parks usually used by attendees of football matches at Allianz Stadium.

  • Michael Koziol
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Qatari fans at the opening match of the World Cup between the hosts and Ecuador.

A carefully curated spectacle, this World Cup left too much out

What do you give courtiers who have everything? Why not a World Cup? As it transpired, the Qataris could take it or leave it.

  • Greg Baum
The Paz family (left to right) Gaby, Mia, Shalisa, Mariano, Santiago and Barbara.

Merci or Messi? Melbourne’s Argentinian, French fans seek World Cup glory

These Argentinian and French Melburnians can agree on one thing ahead of the World Cup final: They all want Lionel Messi to become a world champion. The trouble is, they can’t agree when.

  • Lachlan Abbott
The German soccer team stage a protest at the start of their World Cup qualifier against Iceland in March 2021.

Will the Socceroos take a stand in Qatar?

“If football is to be a genuine force for good, the sport needs to take responsibility when human rights are violated.”

  • J.J. Rose
First World Cup final forces hand of Croatian faithful

First World Cup final forces hand of Croatian faithful

It's not every day your country makes the FIFA World Cup final, but for Robert Bobanovic and his son Karlo, the dream has well and truly arrived.

  • James Lemon