Image credit: SBS News

"Lay-up for the US" - Really?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw just dropped in Washington DC and Australia landed in Group D with host nation USA, Paraguay, and a European play-off winner still to be determined.

Ranked 26th in the world, the Socceroos immediately copped disrespect from American pundits. CBS analyst Mike Grella called it "a lay-up for the US" and said Australia "stumbled through qualifying" and weren't impressive.

Coach Tony Popovic wasn't having it: "Anyone that underestimates us will get a rude shock when it comes to those group games."

The Draw Breakdown

1. Group D: USA (14th), Paraguay (39th), Australia (26th), plus one European play-off qualifier

2. Matches in California, Seattle and Vancouver - western region venues

3. Over 150,000 Aussies already registered for ticket ballot

4. Record 48 teams competing across USA, Mexico and Canada

The Good News

Interim CEO Heather Garriock said she's "content" with the draw. Football Australia wanted a host nation matchup knowing how massive it would be for exposure and atmosphere.

The group is tough but winnable. Top two teams advance automatically, plus eight best third-place finishers make the knockouts.

The Circus Show

Trump, Canadian PM Mark Carney and Mexican President Sheinbaum attended. FIFA gave Trump an "inaugural Peace Prize" for his "extraordinary actions to promote peace." Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger performed. Heidi Klum hosted.

Full schedule drops Sunday 4am AEDT. Time to prove the doubters wrong.