By Jamie Berry
The wait is over as the Socceroos prepare to kick off their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign against France in Qatar.
Australia’s opening match at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah begins at the somewhat-friendly time of 6am on Wednesday (Sydney time), which means you can watch before work or school. The Socceroos’ group campaign is followed by matches against Tunisia (Saturday at the very friendly prime-time slot of 9pm) and Denmark (Thursday, December 1 at the nocturnal time of 2am).
An elated Aaron Mooy jumps for joy after Australia beat Peru to reach the World Cup finals.Credit:Getty Images
With every World Cup match on SBS live and on demand, you could always stay at home and watch the match on TV from your couch (or on your phone in bed).
But if you feel like getting out there, here are some venues across Sydney to take in all the action:
Ritz Cinema, Randwick
The art deco beauty will be playing all the Socceroos’ matches on the big screen. All tickets are $10, which includes a small popcorn.
Coogee Bay Hotel
Not far away at “the locals’ local”, most of the World Cup games in the group stages will be “live and loud”. The games will be shown across the hotel’s three venues and there will also be a goal-kicking competition and other games.
Fans packed into Selina’s at the Coogee Bay Hotel during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.Credit:AAP
Salisbury Hotel, Stanmore
Across town, the Percival Road venue will be doing bacon and egg rolls and coffee for the Socceroos’ opener.
The Marly, Newtown
Again offering games “live and loud”, the Marly has a dedicated viewing area to catch every goal and cheer on your team.
The Henson, Newtown
Again in the inner west, this thriving venue will be showing the game in the front bar.
Cheers Bar, Sydney CBD
The place “where good sports meet”, there will be plenty of football action … and basketball … and rugby … and AFL …
Socceroos fans rejoice at Cheers Bar in 2014 as Australia scores against Holland in the World Cup in Brazil.Credit:Janie Barrett
Bar Broadway, Chippendale
Again in the city, all games will be live on their big screen at the pub that will be “open 24/7 for the FIFA World Cup”.
Churchills Sports Bar, Kingsford
With opening hours of 6am until 5am, you won’t miss the action at “the professional punter’s paradise”.
The Sporting Globe
The mantra is “Eat. Drink. Sport” and the King Street Wharf venue, smack bang at Darling Harbour, is taking bookings for the Socceroos’ opener against France.
24/7 Sports Bar, Pyrmont
Catch all the action of all the biggest games at the Star casino.
