Football news 2024: Things are only getting harder for the Socceroos on the road to ‘26

Socceroos midfielder Keanu Baccus says he only expects qualifying for this and future World Cups to get harder as more and more Asian countries invest more into national football teams.

DOHA, QATAR - JANUARY 13: Keanu Baccus of Australia is challenged by Lalengmawia Apuia of India during the AFC Asian Cup Group B match between Australia and India at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on January 13, 2024 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is going to be tough for Australia after a shock loss to Bahrain and midfielder Keanu Baccus predicts it is only going to get harder going forward.

Socceroos’ hopes of qualifying are far from over with this third phase comprised of a home and away round robin with the five other teams in their group.

But with the likes of Japan, China, Saudi Arabia and Tuesday night’s opponent Indonesia in the group Baccus said earning one of the two automatic qualifying spots was always going to be a challenge.

”It’s a tough group,” Baccus said.

“Asian teams are getting a lot better, and credit to them, because they’re investing well and on the day, very, very tough opponents to play against.

Keanu Baccus says the road to the World Cup won’t get any easier. Picture: Getty Images

“We’ve got to give full respect to everyone.

“The levels are getting closer and closer to each other. We expect anything to happen in this group, and we just have to worry about ourselves.

“Hopefully we can get three points on the board on Tuesday.

“But also we respect how tough each game is and the opposition is getting better and better in these Asian qualifiers.”

The 26-year-old, due to become a dad in December, has recently made the move to English League One club Mansfield Town from Scottish club St Mirren.

“The move has been a big move and a different one for me,” Baccus said.

How will Australia go in the rest of its World Cup qualifiers? Picture: Getty Images

“I finally feel like I’m settled now in my own apartment and out of the hotel – coming here was great to get the mind off stuff over there and onto the new chapter that we are starting with the round three qualifiers.

“It’s the perfect time. We’ve obviously got a lot to do in the next couple of months and then have another bigger break and come back against next year – I just want to take it game by game.”

Baccus, didn’t take the field in the game against Bahrain with a hamstring injury but the midfielder said he was fit and ready to be called into the fray for the game against Indonesia.

“I want to be part of every game but unfortunately that wasn’t the case,” Baccus said.

“For me my campaign starts on Tuesday, we have nine games left of this road to ‘26 I definitely want to do my best for the team.”

Baccus said his experience in the last World Cup campaign had given a new level of confidence going into these must win situations.

“It really gave me that belief to belong and I want to showcase my ability and my talent every game I get a chance to.”

The Socceroos will play Indonesia in Jakarta, on Tuesday at 10pm (AEDT).

Originally published as Football news 2024: Things are only getting harder for the Socceroos on the road to ‘26