With Australia set to kick off their World Cup campaign against defending champions France on Wednesday, excited Socceroos fans are expected to pile into pubs across the country – with others sticking to the comfort of the sofa.
Graham Arnold’s men will play France at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, around half an hour from Doha, with the match set to begin at 6am Sydney time.
The early morning start means Australians will be able to catch the coverage before heading off to work or school and several venues across the country will show the game live.
Free-to-air channel SBS will be showing all of the tournament’s games live from Qatar, which are available to anyone with a TV, tablet or phone via the SBS channel, app or on its website.
Coverage starts from 5am Wednesday morning ahead of the 6am kick-off.
Graham Arnold’s men will play France at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, around half an hour from Doha, with the match set to begin at 6am Sydney time
Australia’s other games are against Tunisia at 9pm on Saturday, and Denmark at 2am on Thursday.
The pub-friendly start time for the Tunisia game is expected to make it very attractive to Aussies, with experts predicting it will also be the most likely game for the Socceroos to notch up a win.
Here, Daily Mail Australia shares some of the locations you can visit to watch Australia take on France on Wednesday.
SYDNEY
The Sporting Globe, Darling Harbour
Based in the middle of Darling Harbour, the venue is offering bookings for Socceroos fans to watch the match against France.
Strawberry Hills Hotel, Surry Hills
With a 6am license, the hotel will be able to show all the games including the Socceroos first against France.
The early morning start means Australians will be able to catch the coverage before heading off to work or school
Ritz Cinema, Randwick
The cinema will be playing all the Socceroos’ matches on the big screen with ticket prices at $10, which includes a small popcorn.
Salisbury Hotel, Stanmore
The Salisbury Hotel in Stanmore will be doing bacon and egg rolls and coffee for the Socceroos’ opener.
Coogee Bay Hotel, Coogee
The games will be shown across the hotel’s three venues and there will also be a goal-kicking competition and other games.
Madison Hotel, Surry Hills
A 24-hour pub, it is the perfect venue for Socceroos fans who want to watch games at all times.
The Henson, Marrickville
All the games, including Australia’s 6am kick-off, will be shown in front of the main bar.
Churchills Sports Bar, Kingsford
The bar is open from 6am to 5am, meaning Aussies will be able to catch the math against France on Wednesday.
Australia’s other games are against Tunisia at 9pm on Saturday, and Denmark at 2am on Thursday
The Marley, Newtown
Has created a dedicated viewing area so you can catch every goal and cheer on the team.
Cheers Bar, Sydney CBD
The city center sports bar will show Australia’s first game despite the early start.
Bar Broadway, Chippendale
Also in the city, all games will be live on their big screen at the pub that will be ‘open 24/7’.
Dee Why RSL
North of the Harbor Bridge, Battery House is showing all the games and claims to ‘the biggest screen on the beaches’
MELBOURNE
Federation Square
The popular spot has confirmed that they will be broadcasting all three of the Socceroos group games on their famous big screen.
The Elephant and Wheelbarrow, Melbourne CBD
The Elephant and Wheelbarrow will be showing all Australia and England games, as well as the final.
Several venues across the country will show the first game against France live
Doors open 30 minutes before kickoff for games that fall outside regular opening hours, such as Australia and France, and so bookings are essential.
Hopscotch, Riverside Quay Southbank
A riverside terrace that will be showing several World Cup games, including Australia’s opener against France.
Imperial Hotel, CBD
Every single World Cup game will be shown at the venue, however, booking is encouraged as it is expected to fill up quickly.
Crafty Squire, Russell Street
Like the Imperial Hotel, every game will be shown live, with Australia and England games free to watch.
However, for other early morning games, it will be $25 a ticket, although that will include two beers or wine throughout the match.
Beer Deluxe, Federation Square
The three Australia games and other World Cup matches within opening hours to be shown.
The Sporting Globe, Richmond
The Sporting Globe Richmond will be screening every Australian game live, plus all other games that fall within regular opening hours.
Bookings are highly recommended to secure your spot.
Great Northern Hotel, Carlton North
All Australian and England games will be broadcast live, as well as the quarter-final, semi-final, final, and games happening within regular opening hours.
Bells Hotel, South Melbourne
A sports viewing hub, complete with rooftop terrace, the Australia vs France game will be shown at the hotel.
PERTH
Subiaco Hotel, Subiaco
All of Australia’s game will be shown at the popular pub. Bookings are recommended for the later games, especially when Australia takes to the field.
The Globe, Perth CBD
The Globe is showing the most anticipated matches from the World Cup, including Australia’s game against France.
Ballers Sports Bar, Fremantle
The venue will be showing several World Cup games, including Australia’s first against France.
Victoria Park Hotel, Victoria Park
Only some World Cup games will be on show at the hotel, but Australia’s game against France is one of them.
BRISBANE
Pig ‘N’ Whistle, Riverside
The official Brisbane venue for the Australian Active Support group, with all the Socceroos games on show.
Winghouse, Edward Street
The wings venue will only be showing some of the games from Qatar, but the game against France is on its list.
ADELAIDE
The District at SkyCity, North Terrace, Adelaide
The District will be showing every single game of this year’s FIFA World Cup for free.
CANBERRA
Assembly, The People’s Pub, Braddon ACT
it will open early for the Australia-France match, and will show any other matches within their opening hours.
As part of its specials, you can get a Bacon & Egg roll, hash browns and a small coffee for $16 and $10 Reassemble cocktails.
.