The Australia national football team, known as the Socceroos, is one of the strongest teams in the Asia-Pacific region. They have a history of consistent performances in international tournaments, regularly competing in the FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup.
As of December 2024, Australia is ranked 26th in the FIFA World Rankings. The team has had mixed results in recent matches, including a dramatic 2-2 draw against Bahrain in a World Cup 2026 qualifier, where Kusini Yengi scored twice, including a last-minute equalizer. However, they also suffered a tough 1-0 loss to Bahrain in an earlier match due to an own goal by Harry Souttar.
Recently, Tony Popovic took over as head coach, replacing Graham Arnold. His goal is to strengthen the team and ensure a successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Socceroos have a strong legacy, with one of their best performances in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the Round of 16 before losing to eventual champions Argentina. Looking ahead, the team aims to build a more cohesive squad and achieve better consistency in international football.
Ratings to Australian Football Team :
Here are my ratings for the Australian national football team (Socceroos) based on their key areas:
Strikers – 7/10
The forward line has potential, with players like Kusini Yengi stepping up in key moments. However, Australia lacks a consistent world-class goal scorer who can deliver regularly at the international level. Their finishing can improve, especially against stronger teams.
Midfielders – 7.5/10
The midfield is a balanced mix of experienced players and young talent. They do well in controlling possession and dictating the tempo of the game, but they sometimes struggle to provide the final attacking spark. If they can add more creativity and goal contributions, this rating could go higher.
Defenders – 6.5/10
Defensively, Australia has shown resilience, but occasional lapses in concentration, such as own goals and set-piece struggles, have hurt them. They need better coordination and composure, especially against high-quality opposition.
Manager – 7/10
Tony Popovic is a well-respected coach with success in club football, but he is still adapting to the national team role. His tactical approach and squad management will be crucial in upcoming tournaments. If he can bring stability and consistent performances, this rating could improve.
Overall Rating – 7/10
The Socceroos are a solid team with a competitive spirit, but they need to improve their attacking consistency, defensive reliability, and tactical execution to compete with the world’s best teams. If they address these areas, they have the potential to be a stronger force in international football.
Australian Football Team Market Value :
Estimated Market Value of Australian Football Team
| Player | Position | Club | My Market Value (€M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathew Ryan | Goalkeeper | AZ Alkmaar | 3.00 |
| Joe Gauci | Goalkeeper | Aston Villa | 1.80 |
| Paul Izzo | Goalkeeper | Perth Glory | 0.60 |
| Harry Souttar | Defender | Leicester City | 9.00 |
| Cameron Burgess | Defender | Ipswich Town | 3.00 |
| Kye Rowles | Defender | Heart of Midlothian | 1.50 |
| Hayden Matthews | Defender | Central Coast Mariners | 1.20 |
| Milos Degenek | Defender | Columbus Crew | 0.50 |
| Jordan Bos | Defender | KVC Westerlo | 2.50 |
| Aziz Behich | Defender | Melbourne City FC | 0.40 |
| Lewis Miller | Defender | Hibernian FC | 1.00 |
| Jason Geria | Defender | Melbourne Victory | 0.60 |
| Jackson Irvine | Midfielder | FC St. Pauli | 3.50 |
| Ajdin Hrustic | Midfielder | Eintracht Frankfurt | 3.50 |
| Riley McGree | Midfielder | Middlesbrough FC | 5.00 |
| Aiden O’Neill | Midfielder | Standard Liège | 1.80 |
| Anthony Cáceres | Midfielder | Sydney FC | 0.80 |
| Maximilien Balard | Midfielder | Central Coast Mariners | 0.50 |
| Patrick Yazbek | Midfielder | Nashville SC | 0.90 |
| Martin Boyle | Forward | Al-Faisaly FC | 3.50 |
| Mitchell Duke | Forward | Fagiano Okayama | 0.50 |
| Craig Goodwin | Forward | Al-Wehda FC | 2.80 |
| Brandon Borrello | Forward | Western Sydney Wanderers | 1.20 |
| Kusini Yengi | Forward | Portsmouth FC | 1.00 |
| Nishan Velupillay | Forward | Melbourne Victory | 0.70 |
Analysis of My Market Valuations
- Players in top European leagues (like Souttar, McGree, Hrustic) are given higher values due to better competition.
- Goalkeepers have slightly increased values based on their experience and leadership qualities.
- Younger players with high potential (like Hayden Matthews, Kusini Yengi) are valued slightly higher than Transfermarkt’s estimates.
- Older players (like Behich, Duke) see slightly reduced values since their peak years are behind them.
Total Squad Value (My Estimate): €50.00 million
This valuation is based on performance, club reputation, age, and potential for future growth.
Concluding the Article :
Market Value Comparison (My Estimate)
| Country | Market Value (€ Million) (My Estimate) |
|---|---|
| England | 1,050.00 |
| France | 1,020.00 |
| Brazil | 950.00 |
| Spain | 900.00 |
| Portugal | 870.00 |
| Germany | 820.00 |
| Netherlands | 800.00 |
| Italy | 750.00 |
| Argentina | 730.00 |
| Denmark | 430.00 |
| Australia | 50.00 |
Key Observations from My Market Valuation:
- Australia’s market value remains significantly lower than the top 10 nations due to fewer players competing in elite European leagues.
- England and France lead the rankings due to their world-class squads featuring top players in the Premier League, La Liga, and Ligue 1.
- Brazil and Argentina, despite their historical dominance, have slightly lower market values than European giants due to fewer players in the most expensive clubs.
- Denmark is closer to Australia in market value but still significantly higher because more Danish players feature in top-tier European clubs.
- Australia’s value has slightly increased in my estimate (from €37.55M to €50M) due to some young talents showing promise, like Kusini Yengi and Jordan Bos.
What Australia Needs to Improve Market Value:
- More players in top leagues: Australian players need to secure transfers to the Premier League, Bundesliga, and La Liga to increase market value.
- Better performances in international tournaments: Deep runs in the World Cup and Asian Cup would boost player recognition and valuations.
- Investing in young talents: More focus on youth academies and international exposure would help develop high-value players.
All in all
Australia has long been dominant in cricket and hockey, but football is steadily growing in the country. With more Aussie players moving to competitive European leagues and gaining experience, the Socceroos are becoming a stronger force on the international stage.
Their performances in past World Cups, like reaching the Round of 16 in 2006 and 2022, show that they can compete at the highest level. With the right squad development and tactical improvements, Australia has the potential to reach the Round of 16 or even the quarter-finals in the 2026 World Cup.
It’ll be exciting to see how they perform against top teams—they could be a surprise package! Let’s see how the Aussies rise to the challenge in WC 2026!