HLV Harry Kewell: 'Australia needs collective strength to dream of advancing far in the 2026 World Cup'

Former star Harry Kewell, Hanoi FC coach, thinks that teamwork will be the crucial factor for Australia to progress in the 2026 World Cup, instead of depending on a few standout players.

Ahead of the final group match against Paraguay, Kewell emphasized on SBS Sport that the Socceroos must enter the game with a team-wide spirit, where every member is ready to contribute.

"A single point is enough, but to get that point, Australia needs all 26 players. This has to be a team effort," the former Liverpool midfielder stated.

At that time, Australia controlled their own destiny in the race for a Round of 16 spot. Although only a draw was needed, Kewell warned that Tony Popovic's side must not play with a conservative mindset, as any complacency could be costly.

The on-field reality proved Kewell's assessment correct. Australia held Paraguay to a 0-0 draw, securing second place in the group and qualifying for the knockout stage for the third time in their World Cup history.

According to Kewell, this success is a well-deserved reward for fighting spirit, discipline, and unity—values that have defined Australian football for many years.

After the national team achieved their goal of advancing past the group stage, Kewell continued to praise the team's performance. The former Australian international rated this as the most balanced and effective starting lineup Coach Tony Popovic has used since the tournament began.

"It was a fantastic start. I was really impressed with the changes Popovic made. The players given opportunities all performed very well," Kewell commented.

He particularly commended Australia's youth policy, highlighting talents like Cristian Volpato, Nestory Irankunda, Lucas Herrington, and Jordy Bos. Among them, 18-year-old center-back Lucas Herrington impressed greatly, playing with confidence and showing no signs of nerves in a decisive match.

Moreover, captain Jackson Irvine was regarded by Kewell as the standout player of the Socceroos due to his ability to control the tempo, remain composed, and connect the lines. Jordy Bos's effective performance on the right flank was also praised by the 47-year-old former star as a key discovery by Coach Popovic.

Nevertheless, Kewell believes Australia still has much work to do if they want to go deep in the 2026 World Cup, especially in improving their finishing. However, with a harmonious blend of experience and youth, along with a rest period before the knockout stage, he is confident the Socceroos can spring a surprise.

Notably, this marks a significant shift in Harry Kewell's perspective. After the loss to the USA in the group stage, he had publicly criticized Australia's performance and questioned some of Coach Popovic's personnel decisions.

But after the team secured progression, Kewell acknowledged that the 51-year-old tactician's adjustments had paid off, and expressed his belief that Australia can go further if they continue to maintain the team spirit—the foundation he has always seen as the key to the Socceroos' success.