Socceroos vs Egypt - 2026 World Cup R32 - Sat 4th of July 4am AEST

[HonestSpursFan]

After a relatively decent tournament in Qatar, the AFC has really underperformed here.

West Asia in particular are really dogshite aren't they? For all their protestations and how they effectively run the Confed, the keys need to be handed over to East Asia/Pacific.

This. Oil money has ruined the AFC and we NEED a split. Have the line run between Myanmar and Bangladesh.

 

[riquelmes_laces]

This. Oil money has ruined the AFC and we NEED a split. Have the line run between Myanmar and Bangladesh.

I'd go further and say it has ruined the sport, but that discussions for another day.

 

[Mr Cleansheets]

At this point I make my usual comment...

Time to split Asia into East and West with East absorbing Oceania.

 

[ashtongate]

How come Paraguay have played already whilst we get an extra four days rest?

 

[Barca4life]

It will come down two things for me:

Is the cash is there to incentivise China, Japan, Korea, Australia and the ASEAN nations to do this is.

Another issue would it dilute the quality? Given we are inviting the Oceania nations who are clear weaker would it make it make the level worser?

 

[Mr Cleansheets]

Lots of arguments in its favour; mainly that Asia's too big with too many time zones but there are others.

It would be good for Oceania.

 

[Alex M]

How come Paraguay have played already whilst we get an extra four days rest?

Draws with some 3rds qualifying make it pretty hard to even out. Coming second we got pushed to the other side of the knockout draw to the USA.

 

[NicCarBel]

This. Oil money has ruined the AFC and we NEED a split. Have the line run between Myanmar and Bangladesh.

You've probably read this HSF - but this is my breakdown

Post in thread 'AFC east/west split & OFC'

Oct 23, 2024

So in my posts, will be using the following convention:
"New East AFC" will be called the "Pacific Football Confederation"
"New West AFC" will continue to be called the "Asian Football Confederation".

So... solely using the existing sub-confederations - and counting Oceania as it's own sub-confederation, (ASEAN, East Asia, Central Asia, Oceania, South Asia, West Asia), this would be the split:

AFC

Bahrain

Iraq

Jordan

Kuwait

Lebanon

Oman

Palestine

...

• NicCarBel

• 

 

[HonestSpursFan]

You've probably read this HSF - but this is my breakdown

Post in thread 'AFC east/west split & OFC'

Oct 23, 2024

So in my posts, will be using the following convention:
"New East AFC" will be called the "Pacific Football Confederation"
"New West AFC" will continue to be called the "Asian Football Confederation".

So... solely using the existing sub-confederations - and counting Oceania as it's own sub-confederation, (ASEAN, East Asia, Central Asia, Oceania, South Asia, West Asia), this would be the split:

AFC

Bahrain

Iraq

Jordan

Kuwait

Lebanon

Oman

Palestine

...

• NicCarBel

• 

Looks good!

 

[NicCarBel]

Looks good!

More here covering all of FIFA

Thread 'Restructuring FIFA (World Cup Qualifiers and Confederation Members)'

Apr 3, 2025

I've had across a few of the qualification threads referring to how, if I had my way, would restructure FIFA (in terms of member make up and confederation structures) in relation to the World Cup and it's qualifiers. So figured having a central spot for all of this would be better (plus, it allows me to have more of a back up then my word doc, that I can access on my phone if I ever want to discuss with anyone).

I've essentially narrowed down to two options, where I've gone into a bit of detail about the members, qualification make up, etc below. But, the TLDR of the two options are...

• NicCarBel

• 

 

[Kitwally]

How come Paraguay have played already whilst we get an extra four days rest?

Because Paraguay came 3rd in the group and we came second

 

[highkick05]

 

[grazorblade]

Egypts team is shorter than us and slower which is interesting. Our set pieces have been poor, but maybe we can use aerial lobs to a contest if we are getting pressed

 

[DandyCasey]

Egypts team is shorter than us and slower which is interesting. Our set pieces have been poor, but maybe we can use aerial lobs to a contest if we are getting pressed

Yeah I am watching their group games, wouldn't be surprised to see Yengi start assuming Toure isn't 100%.

 

[Punchanello]

There's not much in this really statistically.

I guess what these stats don't show is that Egypt conceded a goal in every game of the group stage and they have not come up against a team looking to play the low-block as effectively as Australia has.

 

[Quicky]

Egypts team is shorter than us and slower which is interesting. Our set pieces have been poor, but maybe we can use aerial lobs to a contest if we are getting pressed

Post WC I'd like to see some changes to the assistants and get someone with success at set pieces. We have goals going begging.

 

[mkxx]

Irankunda/, Mercalfe /O Niel/ Volpato

All the above have been terrible at cornor delivery

Who s eles we got out there?

 

[Punchanello]

Yeah I am watching their group games, wouldn't be surprised to see Yengi start assuming Toure isn't 100%.

I'd definitely like to see a bit more hold up play in transition so Yengi would be a pretty good option when flanked by some real pace.

 

[Quicky]

Irankunda/, Mercalfe /O Niel/ Volpato

All the above have been terrible at cornor delivery

Who s eles we got out there?

Our best set piece takers are Goodwin, Elder and Hrustic. The former we didn't select, and Hrustic probably shouldn't be playing. I think we need to keep trusting Volpato and Irankunda.

 

[Richie]

Had Aussie soccer lost Cristian Volpato blame the bosses of Sydney FC and the Western Sydney Wanderers, both of whom basicly told the youngster he was not wanted. Hearing this almost shattered the teenager with a dream.

''I just remember the car ride home with my dad, I was crying". Then he said "dont worry son we'll go to Italy".