Australia – World Cup 2022: Who could Socceroos play in last-16?

What’s next for the Socceroos: Who they could play in their first World Cup knockout game, where it’s on and when it’s on

World Cup fever is not yet over in Australia after the Socceroos clinched a place in the last-16 in Qatar following their win over Denmark.

Mathew Leckie’s second half strike was enough to see off the underwhelming Danes in Al-Wakrah, with Tunisia’s victory over France having no impact on the Socceroos’ progress to the knockouts.

But who could they play in the last-16? Where will it be played and what time will it be on? Daily Mail Australia has all the answers.

Australia have made history by advancing to the last-16 of the World Cup in Qatar

WHO WILL THEY FACE?

Well, that is still very much up in the air.

Australia will take on the team that finishes top of Group C in the Round of 16. At present, that team is Poland, but all four teams are in with a chance of qualifying heading into their final round of games.

Poland, Argentina, Saudi Arabia and Mexico are fighting it out for a place in the knockouts, and while it’s mathematically improbable that the Mexicans will top the group, the other three are all in with a shout of finishing first.

It could mean that the Socceroos will have to find an answer to one of the greatest footballers of all time: Lionel Messi, should the Argentines top Group C.

Here, Sportsmail breaks down who the Australians are playing and how fans can watch it

Here, Sportsmail breaks down who the Australians are playing and how fans can watch it

HOW CAN I WATCH THE GAME?

Well, if you’re in Qatar, make your way to the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, because that’s where Graham Arnold’s side will take on their Group C opponents. 

But if you aren’t one of the lucky fans out in the Middle East, the game will be broadcast on SBS One in Australia. 

WHAT TIME IS THE GAME ON?

It’s another early wake up call for Australians, but not as early as Thursday morning’s game! The last-16 affair will kick off at 6am AEDT on Sunday. In the UK it will kick off at 7pm GMT on Saturday while on the east coast of the US it will start at 2pm on Saturday.