South Australians will be able to cheer on the CommBank Socceroos on the big screen next June, with a FIFA World Cup 2026™ Live Site confirmed for Centre Court at The Drive.
While the tournament itself will be played across North America, local fans will still get the chance to feel part of the action, with Australia’s three group-stage matches to be broadcast live, undercover, at one of Adelaide’s premier sporting venues.
The Live Site will give fans a central place to come together for every Socceroos group match, with DJs, MCs, food and drinks helping create a match-day atmosphere no matter the kick-off time.
Australia’s campaign begins on Sunday 14 June, when the Socceroos take on Türkiye in Vancouver. Gates at The Drive will open at 12.30pm, ahead of the 1.30pm kick-off.
The second match will be an early one for Adelaide fans, with Australia facing the USA in Seattle on Saturday 20 June. Gates will open at 4am, with the match kicking off at 4.30am.
Australia will then meet Paraguay in San Francisco on Friday 26 June, with gates opening at 10.30am before the 11.30am kick-off.
If the Socceroos progress further in the tournament, fans may also have more chances to gather and watch the national team together, with further details to be shared closer to the matches if required.
Tourism Minister Emily Bourke said the Live Site would bring fans together for one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
“Nothing beats watching the best in the world go head-to-head with your mates, so the vibe at the Live Site at The Drive is going to be electric,” she said.
“Hosting the live site at The Drive means fans can cheer on the CommBank Socceroos together, then head over the bridge into the city for a breakfast, lunch or dinner.
“Let’s get behind our CommBank Socceroos stars and make sure they can hear the roar of the South Aussie crowd from the other side of the world.”
The State Government is also supporting licensed venues that want to make the most of the tournament, with South Australia’s liquor and gambling regulator reducing application fees for venues needing short-term licences to open outside their usual hours.
Consumer and Business Services will prioritise short-term licence applications for matches that fall during South Australia’s morning to lunchtime hours. Venues will also pay a one-off application fee, rather than paying separately for each application.
Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs Michael Brown said the move would help venues welcome football fans throughout the tournament.
“The world game brings people together like nothing else, and we’re making it easier for South Australian football fans to gather in person, and share their love of the sport,” he said.
“By slashing application fees and fast-tracking approvals, we are empowering licensed venues to easily capitalise on the world cup.
“We want local venues to confidently throw their doors open, and create the perfect atmosphere for fans to unite, cheer on the Socceroos and watch the world’s best compete.”
The announcement follows huge crowds during the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ in 2023, when more than 87,000 fans visited Adelaide’s fan sites across the tournament.
