Will the Socceroos make it through the group? World Cup 2026 predictions, insights and more with an A-League coach and former Socceroo

I failed as a footballer - my words, not yours. But that doesn't stop me from having an opinion...or a podcast. In this first episode of The Failed Footballer, I OlanTekkers kick off the World Cup with a mix of chaos, confidence and conviction. Before a ball is kicked in Canada, Mexico and the US, I lay out my predictions - who's going to win it, who's going to bag the most goals and which young star is going to be this year's James Rodríguez. I sit down with someone who did make it: Socceroos legend and A‑League head coach Mile Sterjovski. A man who’s lived the grind, the doubt, the World Cup pressure and the responsibility of guiding the next generation. Together we break down the Socceroos squad, give advice to young players, debate the tactical identity and explain what it will take to get the Socceroos out of the group stages. Finally, I throw across to my mate and ARN sports reporter John Bric, who’s flying to North America to follow every Socceroos game live. John gives us his predictions, his on‑the‑ground expectations and the wild story of how one footballer went from 4,000 followers to 3.5 million in a week (currently sitting at 4.9m). Insanity. The Failed Footballer is your front‑row seat to all the action from Canada, Mexico and the US, as we follow Australia (and England) through the group stage (fingers crossed) and beyond. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.