34 days to go: Michael Beauchamp's FIFA World Cup story

The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia is fast approaching and as part of our countdown to the tournament, we are profiling every Australian player who's been to a FIFA World Cup.

Today we continue the countdown with Michael Beauchamp, part of Australia’s World Cup squads in 2006 and 2010.

Cap number: 487

World Cups played at: 2006, 2010

Position: Central defender

Age at World Cup: 25 (2006), 29 (2010)

Clubs played for:  Marconi, Parramatta Power, Sydney Olympic, Central Coast Mariners, Nurnberg, Aalborg, Al Jazira, Melbourne Heart, Sydney FC, Western Sydney Wanderers, PTT Rayong, Bankstown City

Best World Cup moment:

Beauchamp was a part of the 2006 squad which progressed the Round of 16 under Guus Hiddink, though he was an unused substitute in the four matches in Germany.

The defender made his World Cup debut in 2010 and played 90 minutes as Australia defeated Serbia 2-1 in their final group match in South Africa.

Michael Beauchamp (Back row, third from left)
Michael Beauchamp (Back row, third from left)

Career highlight:

The central defender enjoyed a storied club career and established himself as one of the premier defenders in the A-League during stints with Central Coast Mariners, Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers.

He was an inaugural signing for both Melbourne Heart (2010/11) and Western Sydney Wanderers (2012/13) in their debut A-League campaigns.

He captained the Wanderers in their first season and led Tony Popovic’s side all the way to the Grand Final, only falling to Central Coast Mariners in the decider.

Beauchamp scored his first – and only –  Socceroos goal against Thailand at the 2007 Asian Cup, a strike which proved the catalyst for a 4-0 win and helped propel Australia into the Quarter-Finals.

He played a total of 22 ‘A’ internationals for the Socceroos after debuting in 2006.

Beauchamp in action for the A-League All Stars against Manchester United.
Beauchamp in action for the A-League All Stars against Manchester United.

Post-playing career:

The now 37-year-old departed the Wanderers in 2014 and spent a season playing in Thailand before returning home to play in the NPL with Bankstown City and Marconi.

He is still playing with the Stallions in this season’s NSW NPL.

Did you know?

Beauchamp claimed the first-ever ‘Mariners Medal’ as Central Coast Mariners’ Player of the Season in their inaugural A-League campaign in 2005/06.