And then there were 26.
Bert van Marwijk has confirmed his 26-man extended Caltex Socceroos squad as our boys now look ahead to the FIFA World Cup.
With just 30 days to go until football’s showpiece event commences, there is so much on the horizon for Aussie football fans to enjoy, as we gear up to face France in game one on Saturday 16 June AEST.
READ: Here's the 26-man extended Caltex Socceroos squad for Russia 2018
The 26-man squad will assemble in Turkey before two final preparation games but before then, here are all the key dates for you to put in your calendar before our boys take on the world...
When do the Caltex Socceroos go into camp?
Bert van Marwijk and his team will assemble in the Turkish coastal city of Antalya on Sunday 20 May to begin a 20-day pre-FIFA World Cup training camp.
When does the final FIFA World Cup squad get announced?
Van Marwijk has confirmed his 26-man squad to travel to Turkey which means there is still one more squad to be announced: the final 23.
This will be announced on Sunday 3 June, which means the make-up of the Caltex Socceroos' official FIFA World Cup squad will be confirmed before they face Hungary in the second of two lead-up friendlies.
Who are the lead-up games against?
On Friday 1 June (9pm AEST), the Caltex Socceroos will take on the Czech Republic in Vienna, Austria.
The team will then face Hungary in Budapest on Sunday 10 June, 1.30am AEST.
Van Marwijk will have a pre-World Cup training camp in Turkey
When do they head to Russia?
After the Hungary game, Van Marwijk’s men will arrive in Kazan for a six-day training block before the opening game against France – which is to be played in Kazan.
Who do we play at the FIFA World Cup?
- France v Caltex Socceroos
Date: Saturday, 16 June 2018
Venue: Kazan Arena, Kazan, Russia
Kick-off: 1pm local (8pm AEST – Saturday, 16 June 2018)
Broadcast: Live in Australia on SBS and Optus Sport - Denmark v Caltex Socceroos
Date: Thursday, 21 June 2018
Venue: Samara Arena, Samara, Russia
Kick-off: 4pm local (10pm AEST – Thursday, 21 June 2018)
Broadcast: Live in Australia on SBS and Optus Sport - Caltex Socceroos v Peru
Date: Tuesday, 26 June 2018
Venue: Fisht Stadium, Sochi, Russia
Kick-off: 5pm local (12pm AEST – Wednesday 27 June 2018)
Broadcast: Live in Australia on SBS and Optus Sport
