Socceroos v New Zealand LIVE updates: Australia’s prep for 2026 World Cup begins in Canberra

We haven’t spent much time talking about Australia so far in this game but when we have, it’s been about Jordan Bos.

He wiggles through bodies to get himself in front of the goal but without looking for a target, his shot orbits far from where he’d planned.

Australia 0-0 New Zealand, 23 minutes

Jordan Bos gets Australia’s closest chance so far.Credit: Getty Images

With the exception of that early corner kick and those couple of runs from Bos down the left, it’s been all New Zealand so far. They’re bossing possession, winning the second balls and the Socceroos are really struggling to get out of their half. The All Whites are an excellent side - this is maybe the best crop of players the Kiwis have ever had - so this is a real test for these players. Chris Wood, by the way, is a huge unit. Like, massive. Rugby union massive. And he’s giving the Australian defence a torrid time.

Nottingham Forrest and All Whites striker Chris Wood predictably gives New Zealand their best shot so far. Paul Izzo is warm enough now that his quick reflexes to the right blocked it. Still, it’s looking ominous for Australia.

Australia 0-0 New Zealand, 18 minutes

Chris Wood, described as a giant, is a threat to Australia. Credit: Getty Images

Australia are looking shaky in their defensive right corner, unable to clear what should have been taken care of and creating a throw-in for the All Whites instead. This time, Patrick Yazbek deals with it.

New Zealand appear to be completing a higher rate of passes than the Socceroos and if anything’s giving them an advantage, it’s their ability to maintain possession of the ball.

Australian goalkeeper Paul Izzo takes matters into his own feet but the ball doesn’t clear far enough and he’s forced to dive for a shot from Callum McCowatt but it goes wide.

Australia 0-0 New Zealand, 10 minutes

Early days but you can see what a massive impact having a fit Jordan Bos is going to be for the Socceroos. He’s rapid, powerful and skilful. Adds a completely new dynamic in attack. Let’s hope his brother Kasey, who left Melbourne Victory for Mainz in Germany this off-season, can get on his level soon. Those two lads could be running the left flank for Australia for the next decade.

New Zealand has won the first few battles in what’s already looking to be a combative pairing.

Jordan Bos looks to make a pass up the left of the pitch to no avail.

Tim Payne takes a shot, using a loose definition of the word, which sails far over the crossbar. Metcalfe knocks the ball to Bos who his already branding his mark on that side of the pitch. He takes a shot, it goes out for a corner instead.

Australia 0-0 New Zealand, 3 minutes

Connor Metcalfe in the opening minutes of the match.Credit: Getty Images

Anthems have been sung, jackets have been flung – the game is under way in Canberra.

Australia 0-0 New Zealand, 0 minutes

Never heard of the Soccer Ashes? You wouldn’t be the only one.

They’re contained in an ornate wooden box and are the remains of cigars smoked by the captains of Australia and New Zealand at the close of the first-ever match between the countries in 1923.

The trophy was passed between the sides for 31 years before it was lost. In 2023, the box was discovered in a garage, solving a 69-year mystery.

Read Vince’s story on the antique here.

The Soccer Ashes trophy, which was found in April after 69 years.Credit: Football Australia