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Tools down, Socceroos up as bosses back World Cup watch parties

Australian workplaces are trading business as usual for the chance to celebrate the Socceroos and workplace culture during Friday’s match.
Socceroos fans at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, California, United States, Thursday June 25, 2026. Source: AAP Image/Jason Henry

Workplaces across Australia are preparing for World Cup watch parties, trading business as usual for the chance to celebrate the Socceroos’ final group stage match against Paraguay.

The match, kicking off at 12pm AEST on Friday, will see Australia play for a chance to progress to the knockout stages of the world’s biggest footballing event.

A points-based ranking system means Australia could still advance even if the team loses to the South American nation, but a draw or win would keep the Socceroos’ destiny in their own hands.

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