WATCH: CommBank Socceroos defeat Cameroon 1-0 to kick off FIFA Series 2026™

The CommBank Socceroos have begun the FIFA Series 2026™ with a hard fought win, defeating Cameroon 1-0.

Jordan Bos scored the decisive goal in the second half as the team built into the game against a disciplined and exciting opponent.

Head Coach Tony Popovic named a starting eleven with a mix of youth and experience as players look to make the case for selection for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Lucas Herrington and Deni Juric became CommBank Socceroos #658 and #659 respectively when they were named to start.

Australia came out of the blocks smartly. Jacob Italiano in particular was impressive, combining well with the likes of Martin Boyle and Jordy Bos. There was a concerted effort to be better in possession, something flagged by Popovic pre-match. 

Cameroon built into the half well. They had more shots and more final third entries at the break, but without anything clear-cut – neither side had a ‘big chance’ in the first 45 minutes. It was a solid defensive effort from Australia who perhaps will look to replicate that in competitive games in the future.

Popovic looked to change that with the introduction of the electric Nestory Irankunda and the experienced Awer Mabil at half-time. They replaced Deni Juric and Martin Boyle.

The second stanza started the same way as the first, with Australia on top. Riley McGree began to get more involved while Italiano continued his impressive night at right wing-back. Irankunda made his presence and speed felt by creating a number of consistent openings.

Popovic made a triple substitution around the 65th minute. Cameron Burgess, Paul Okon-Engstler and Ajdin Hrustic were introduced to inject some more fresh legs into the side, while Jason Geria, Connor Metcalfe and Riley McGree made way.

Australia had the opportunity to take the lead moments later. A lovely cross from Italiano just evaded the leap of Irankunda, but Aiden O’Neill – who gathered the ball – was subsequently fouled inside the penalty area. Ajdin Hrustic was given the responsibility of converting the spot kick, but he was foiled by a fantastic save from Cameroon goalkeeper Devis Epassy.

Irankunda used his pace to create a wonderful chance from open play. He beat his defender on the right hand side, whipping in a cross. Circati nodded on the ball to Cameron Burgess, who was not able to direct his header on target. Five minutes later, he forced another sharp save from Epassy.

Kai Trewin, Milos Degenek and Patrick Yazbek entered the field of play in the 81st minute, replacing Jacob Italiano, Alessandro Circati and Aiden O'Neill. Interestingly, Trewin was introduced as a right wing-back.

The CommBank Socceroos found their deserved goal with five minutes of regulation time remaining. Paul Okon-Engstler put a well weighted ball into the penalty area. Ajdin Hrustic dummied smartly, drawing the attention of the defender. That allowed Jordy Bos to steal in behind and apply a well taken finish to give Australia the lead.

That moment would prove to be the decisive won. It was a deserved win for the Socceroos in the end, but the hotly contested contest will give the coaching staff plenty to think about ahead of the game against Curacao on Tuesday evening.

Match Summary

Australia: 1 (Bos 85')
Cameroon: 0

Australia: 1. Mathew Ryan (GK), 3. Jacob Italiano (15. Kai Trewin 83’), 5. Jordan Bos, 6. Martin Boyle (11. Awer Mabil 45’), 8. Connor Metcalfe (20. Paul Okon-Engstler 65’), 13. Aiden O’Neill (17. Patrick Yazbek 82’), 14. Riley McGree (10. Ajdin Hrustic 64’), 19. Jason Geria (21. Cameron Burgess 64’), 23. Alessandro Circati (2. Milos Degenek 82’), 24. Deni Juric (7. Nestory Irankunda 45’) 26. Lucas Herrington

Unused substitutes: 12. Paul Izzo (GK), 18. Patrick Beach (GK), 9. Nishan Velupillay, 16. Aziz Behich, 22. Alex Robertson, 25. Ante Suto

Yellow Cards: 23. Alessandro Circati 60’, 15. Kai Trewin 88'

NEXT MATCH DETAILS

CommBank Socceroos v Curaçao
Date: Tuesday, 31 March
Kick-off: 8.10pm AEDT
Venue: AAMI Park
Broadcast:  Network 10 and Paramount+
Tickets: Available on Ticketek