Football Australia is urging the Melbourne Arts Precinct to overturn its decision not to host public watch parties during the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Football Australia is extremely disappointed with the decision to rob Australian fans of an opportunity to gather and support the Socceroos in their seventh FIFA World Cup appearance.
The CommBank Socceroos have long united Australians, and World Cups are moments when fans unite to celebrate and create lasting memories.
Football Australia has spoken with the Victorian Government and the Melbourne Arts Precinct, expressing its strong disappointment and requesting that they overturn this decision.
Quotes attributable to Football Australia CEO Martin Kugeler:
"The FIFA World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world and unites Australia's multicultural communities, while reinforcing our national identity.
"Live sites create iconic moments for Australian sports fans. They bring all Australians together to celebrate and cheer our National Teams competing on the biggest stage.
"Melbourne is one of Australia's sporting and multicultural capitals, and this decision goes against this tradition.
"Federation Square has created some of the most memorable moments in Australian sporting history, dating back to the Socceroos' historic 2006 FIFA World Cup matches and the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
"This decision is disappointing, and we are asking our fans to join us in calling on the Melbourne Arts Precinct and the Victorian Government to correct their decision in the best interests of football fans, local businesses and all Victorians."
