The official 2026 FIFA World Cup draw is set to take place in less than two weeks, meaning the Socceroos are about to find out who they will have to conquer if they want to move on to the knockout rounds.
As always, Australia will be drawn alongside three other nations in a group of four, with the top two sides advancing to the do-or-die stages of the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup draw utilises FIFA's November 19 world rankings to distribute teams across four pots of 12.
Each group will contain one representative from each pot, ensuring balanced competition whilst preventing teams from identical confederations meeting in the group stage - except for UEFA nations due to their substantial 16-team representation.
That means there are plenty of different combinations and scenarios that could transpire for the Green and Gold. From groups of death to cake walks, let's take a look at the best and worst case scenarios for the Socceroos in the upcoming World Cup draw.
Socceroos World Cup Draw – Best Case Scenario
Australia sits comfortably in Pot 2 alongside Austria, positioned 26th in FIFA's latest rankings.
This placement provides plenty of favourable matchups for the Green and Gold, with potential Pot 3 opponents including Norway, Panama, Egypt, and Scotland - nations the Socceroos would fancy their chances against.
However, the dream scenario as it stands would see Australia drawn with hosts Canada (27th) South Africa (61st), and New Zealand (86th) - creating a highly winnable group.
Socceroos World Cup Draw – Worst Case Scenario
The worst case scenario for Australia at the moment would pit them against Spain (1st), with tougher Pot 3 opposition like Panama (30th) and then someone like Congo DR (56th) getting pulled from Pot 4.
However, according to reports, FIFA are currently contemplating changing how playoff teams are seeded for the upcoming draw.
The decision could see the Socceroos drop from Pot 2 to Pot 3, significantly altering their potential opponents.
Currently, playoff teams are traditionally placed in Pot 4 regardless of their FIFA ranking - a penalty for not qualifying directly.
However, FIFA is reportedly considering seeding playoff teams based on the highest-ranked nation in each qualification pathway. This means Italy's presence in the European playoffs could elevate their entire bracket to Pot 2 status.
If Italy qualify and FIFA implements the rule change, Australia will drop to Pot 3, facing significantly stronger Pot 2 opponents.
Their potential second-tier opponents would be limited to Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Senegal, Ecuador, or European playoff qualifiers - likely Italy or Denmark.
Under this potential rule change, the worst case scenario for the Socceroos looks something like this: Spain, Italy and Congo Dr.
Although it would mean Australia would get another crack at old foes Italy on the World Cup stage, after 2006’s diving-gate.
FIFA World Cup Draw Details
Where: Kennedy Center, Washington DC, USA.
When: Saturday, December 6, 4:00am AEDT.
Where to watch: SBS and SBS On Demand.