Football Australia has welcomed the Victorian Government's swift action in overturning an earlier decision, to ensure the CommBank Socceroos and Australian football fans will have the opportunity to watch the world's biggest sporting event at Federation Square.
The announcement means fans in Victoria will once again be able to come together at one of the city's most iconic locations to support the Socceroos during their seventh FIFA World Cup appearance.
Football Australia is also calling on State and Local Governments across the country to create live sites, so Socceroos and Australian football fans nationwide can gather to watch the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Football Australia welcomed the Victorian Government's intervention and thanked fans and local businesses whose support helped ensure Melbourne would continue its tradition of hosting world‑class football live sites.
Quotes attributable to Football Australia CEO Martin Kugeler:
"We are delighted that the CommBank Socceroos and Australian football fans will have the opportunity to unite and enjoy watching the world's biggest sporting competition at Federation Square.
"We welcome the Victorian Government's swift intervention in overturning the initial decision not to host a live site at Federation Square. On behalf of football fans in Melbourne and across Victoria, we are grateful to the Premier for listening to the views of fans.
"This is an excellent outcome for football fans, local businesses and Victorians, and we look forward to seeing supporters unite at Federation Square to get behind the CommBank Socceroos.
"We want to see more live sites across Australia, and we encourage Local and State Governments nationwide to provide opportunities for fans to come together and experience the unique atmosphere of following a FIFA World Cup within their local communities."
