Sam and William Cartwright at the Caledonian for the Socceroos.
Photo by
Daniel Harvey
Local football fans gathered at the Caledonian Hotel in Echuca to cheer on the Socceroos as they took on Paraguay in their final group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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The match, played in Santa Clara, California, attracted more than 68,000 fans, while supporters closer to home created their own atmosphere at the pub.
Among them were local soccer enthusiasts Sam and William Cartwright, who were decked out in green and gold in support of the national team.
“It’s great to see people get around and support the team,” Sam said.
“Even if they are just four-year fans.”
Socceroos fans watch on at the Caledonian.
Photo by
Daniel Harvey
The atmosphere at the Caledonian was tense throughout the match, with supporters divided over Australia’s approach.
Some believed the Socceroos needed to attack more aggressively, while others praised the side’s disciplined defensive game plan.
The match finished in a 0-0 draw, a result that saw both Australia and Paraguay progress to the knockout stage of the tournament.
Despite securing qualification, some local fans were left hoping for a more attacking display in the next round.
“We need to prove ourselves more than the other teams,” one supporter said.
“We need to go in with more form and establish ourselves as a team that can score.”
The Socceroos will now turn their attention to the round of 32, where they will face Egypt on Saturday, July 4 at 4am AEST in Arlington, Texas.
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