Introducing 'That's a Wrap!', a monthly review involving all things about Australia's men's senior and junior national teams and players presented by our Official Partner, Subway.
While it was the offseason in clubland, international football took centre stage in June. It was an action-packed few weeks with 13 games in 20 days to be precise, across the Subway Socceroos, Subway Olyroos, Australia U18s, and Subway Joeys.
The Green and Gold was well-represented with all four teams playing in four different countries.
Argentina vs Subway Socceroos - International Friendly
Australia returned to China for the first time since 2008 to face reigning world champions Argentina at Beijing Workers' Stadium and just six months after their previous encounter in the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The much-anticipated international friendly would provide another strong test against elite opposition. Once Graham Arnold's squad settled following the early concession, Australia enjoyed some promising attacks but would yield a second midway through the second half to fall 2-0.
Despite the setback, Australia did climb two places into 27 in the latest Men's FIFA Rankings.
Subway Olyroos - Tournoi Maurice Revello
Australia's U-23 side led by Tony Vidmar were invited to the prestigious Maurice Revello Tournament in the south of France for the inaugural time and impressively reached the semi-finals before going on to clinch the third-place playoff against a young France outfit.
The Aussies topped their group with seven points after a 0-0 draw and penalty shootout loss to Qatar, a 3-2 win over a Mediterranean Select side and a 2-0 victory over Mexico. However, in the semi-final the Olyroos succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against eventual winners Panama, while subsequently brushing aside Les Bleus 2-0.
Australia U18 - FPF Portugal Sub-18 tournament
An Australia U18 side coached by Subway Young Socceroos boss Trevor Morgan was in Lisbon for a friendly tournament against hosts Portugal, England and Norway.
The Aussies gave a strong account of themselves on the Iberian Peninsular. Australia went down 4-2 to Portugal, before suffering a last-minute 3-2 loss against England. However, they concluded the tournament with a solid 2-1 triumph against the Norwegians.
Subway Joeys - AFC U17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023™
The brightest talents in Asia assembled in Thailand for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023™. The Subway Joeys were pitted in Group C alongside Saudi Arabia, China and Tajikistan.
Australia was unable to capitalise on its dominance against the Saudis, losing 2-0, produced one of the most hectic games in recent memory against China to record a 5-3 win and then seal a 2-0 triumph against Tajikistan.
Brad Maloney's troops advanced to the quarter finals in second with a meeting against tournament favourites Japan. However, the Samurai Blue proved to decisive and clinical to notch a 3-1 victory.
Australia to face Mexico in September friendly
Last week, the Subway Socceroos confirmed their activity during the upcoming September FIFA International Men’s Window, securing an international clash with Mexico in Dallas, USA.
The meeting with El Tri – currently ranked #12 in the FIFA World Rankings and winners of the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final – continues a trend of playing top-quality opposition.
Playing out of Dallas Cowboys' AT&T Stadium on Saturday 9 September, Graham Arnold’s side will face another stern test ahead of scheduled games against England and New Zealand during the October FIFA Men’s International Window.
Australia to learn Group opponents ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
The qualification process for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ begins later this year in November where Australia will find out its opponents for the Round Two qualifiers.
The draw will take place in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, July 27 at 6pm AEST.
Australia to face New Zealand in second October friendly
Earlier this month, Football Australia confirmed a second fixture for the Subway Socceroos during the October FIFA Men’s International Window, with Graham Arnold’s side set to take on New Zealand in London on Tuesday, 17 October.
This international friendly will follow the Subway Socceroos’ clash against world ranked #4 England at Wembley on Friday, 13 October. The latest match between the trans-Tasman rivals follows the two-game Centenary celebration in 2022, marking 100 years since Australia’s men’s national football team – now known as the Socceroos – played their ever first ‘A’ international match, which was against New Zealand in Dunedin.
An additional piece of Australia and New Zealand’s football history will be celebrated as the Subway Socceroos and All Whites come together in London, with the rediscovered New Zealand and Australia Soccer Ashes Trophy to be taken home by the winner.
Aussies secure moves overseas
It has been a busy offseason for several Australians who have decided to ply their trades abroad.
Aiden O'Neill, Jordan Bos, Marco Tilio and Tom Glover all departed Melbourne City for Standard Liege, KVC Westerlo, Celtic FC and Middlesbrough respectively.
Meanwhile, Jason Cummings signed for Indian Super League outfit Mohun Bagan for an undisclosed fee and after 13 years in England Bailey Wright joined Singapore side Lion City Sailors.
And this week, Milos Degenek has swapped the United States and MLS with a return to Serbian giants FK Crvena zvezda (Red Star Belgrade) for a third stint, where he will play UEFA Champions League football this upcoming season.
To stay up to date with the latest Aussies Abroad news click here.
Aaron Mooy retires from professional football
Aaron Mooy called time on his professional football career for both club and country, informing Football Australia and his current club, Celtic FC of his decision to retire.
Mooy amassed 57 appearances for his country and had been a prominent figure in the national team for several years, establishing himself as a mainstay in midfield off the back of some truly memorable performances in green and gold.
He made his Subway Socceroos debut in 2012 against Guam – netting a free-kick to open the scoring in a 9-0 victory. Cap #558 and a two-time FIFA World Cup™ Socceroo, Mooy featured heavily in Australia’s campaigns in both Russia (2018) and Qatar (2022) – starring in the most recent run to the Round of 16 that captivated football fans across the country.