Socceroos prepare for hostile, Ryder Cup-style US reception in crucial World Cup warm-up

While Europe’s top golfers resorted to arguing with and swearing at American spectators who heckled them during last month’s Ryder Cup in New York, the Socceroos have been told to keep their cool and adopt a different approach.

Instead of being distracted by patriotic opposing fans, Socceroos’ coach Tony Popovic said he actually hopes the Americans get right behind their team and make life difficult for the visiting Australians when they clash in Denver on Oct 14.

“We don’t expect or want any hostility but in terms of fans getting behind their team, I love it,” Popovic said.

“When we’re in Australia and you’ve got 80 or 90 per cent of the fans that are supporting you and making it as difficult for the opponent as possible in becoming a 12th man.

“I’d expect it to be the other way around. It’s part of the challenge and it’d be something great to embrace and prepare us for what may come in the World Cup.”

While crowd behaviour is a hot topic in world sport at the moment, professional footballers are used to playing in front of unfriendly spectators.

With the 2026 World Cup being held in the US, Mexico and Canada, the Socceroos know they will encounter a frosty reception if they are drawn to play against any of the hosts but aren’t fazed by the prospect.

Having already qualified for the World Cup, Popovic is taking his team to North American early to play back to back matches against the Canadians (Oct 10) and Americans (Oct 14) for an early lesson in what they can expect in 2026.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity so I’m actually grateful that we’ve got these types of games, playing two host nations and playing in these conditions,” he said.

“Obviously we have to play at altitude as well in the States which is a different challenge which we may be faced with at the World Cup.

“It’s a fantastic test, a fantastic challenge but also a great opportunity for us to play these teams and show what we can do as we build towards the World Cup.”

Once again, Popovic has made wholesale changes to his squad for the two games as part of a broader strategy to look at as many different players as possible ahead of the World Cup.

While he already has an experienced core of players, Popovic also wants to see his younger players cope when the heat is on and believes the US will test them emotionally and physically.

“That’s the exposure we have to give,” he said. “That’s pressure that you know players will be under when it comes to the World Cup so we’re trying to expose as many challenges as we possibly can.

“We’re excited by these two games and we know that it’ll teach us a lot, it’ll show us a lot in terms of where players are individually and how the squad is building.”