Australia's preparation for the 2026 World Cup starts in the FIFA Series during this international break, when they entertain Cameroon in their first match on Friday, March 27, at the Accor Stadium in Sydney.
Surprisingly, the Socceroos have several new call-ups, opting for experimentation rather than testing out a solid base for this summer's global showpiece, which could disrupt their flow.
Cameroon do not have a major tournament to look ahead to, which means it is all about building for the future, and going far in the second edition of the FIFA Series will go a long way for the Indomitable Lions.
Read our Australia vs Cameroon prediction, preview and betting tips. You can also check out our Today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
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Australia vs Cameroon key stats
- Australia enter this game on the back of three international defeats on the bounce.
- Before that awful run, the Aussies won seven in a row.
- Cameroon lost just one of their last five matches.
- Seven of the visitors' last eight games produced fewer than 2.5 goals.
Australia vs Cameroon preview: Experienced hosts to dispatch young visitors
| Australia | vs | Cameroon |
|---|---|---|
| 27th | FIFA ranking | 45th |
| Mathew Ryan (101) | Most caps | Devis Epassy (15) |
| Martin Boyle (10) | Most goals | Christian Kofane (3) |
| 520 | Total caps | 96 |
| 36 | Total goals | 6 |
| 3 | Uncapped players | 12 |
The home side enjoyed a positive World Cup Qualifying campaign, as they lost only one game across their 10 fixtures, finishing second in the group behind Japan to progress to the finals this summer.
Tony Popovic has enjoyed a great spell in charge of the Socceroos, but even he would have been devastated by the news that 21-year-old forward Adrian Segecic decided to switch his allegiances to Croatia.
Before losing three in a row, Australia were unbeaten for 12 consecutive internationals.
Despite playing for the country in the age groups, the Portsmouth man decided to close the door on representing Australia, but that has been brightened somewhat by the inclusion of Lucas Herrington, Ante Suto and Deni Juric.
The hosts will not have the services of skipper Jackson Irvine, as he has been allowed to remain in Europe to build his fitness after a long injury lay off, but the good news for Australia is the return of Alessandro Circati and Jordan Bos from injury, while Awer Mabil is back in the national team set up.
The situation with Cameroon is slightly different, as head coach David Pagou's 26-man squad is filled with youth and players who have yet to cross the white line for their nation.
Cameroon have only lost one of their last 12 games away from home.
There are some notable absentees from the squad, including Carlos Baleba, Nouhou Tolo, Christian Bassogog and Andre Onana have not made the trip down under, suggesting that there is no longer a fixed hierarchy at the Indomitable Lions.
While blooding in youngsters and giving uncapped players a run is great in the long term, Pagou must be concerned about his team's vulnerable structure going through a further shakeup.
Four of the newly called-up players ply their trade locally in Cameroon, which is a sign that the coach wants to reward impressive domestic performances.
While the argument of renewal could be made for Pagou's squad selection, it also highlights the underlying tensions that have plagued the team for a long while, but if this young team can turn up and come away with success, it will pave the way for the future of Cameroonian football.
Australia vs Cameroon form guide & betting tips
| Australia | vs | Cameroon |
|---|---|---|
| W-W-L-L-L | Form | W-D-W-W-L |
| 5 | Goals For | 6 |
| 7 | Goals Against | 5 |
| L-L-L | Latest form | W-W-L |
Whispers predicts: Australia 2-1 Cameroon
Despite being favourites, Australia to win at 1.70 offers decent value, and it is worth backing the Socceroos primarily because they are at home in this one.
Cameroon's inexperience will probably tell in the end, but they should be able to pierce the home defence, considering the Aussies have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last three games in a row, which is why BTTS - Yes at 1.90 is also a great option.
Predicting a correct score of 2-1 at 8.50 is the outside bet, but that scoreline occurred twice across Cameroon's last three outings, so it should not be written off completely.
Australia's top scorer in the squad is Martin Boyle, so backing him to score at 2.80 is worth exploring.
> 1x2 - Australia to win at 1.70 | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS - Yes at 1.90 | Likelihood: Probable
> Correct score - Australia 2-1 Cameroon at 8.50 | Likelihood: Long shot
> Anytime goalscorer - Martin Boyle at 2.80| Likelihood: Possible