Australia Edge Past Cameroon 1-0 in Dull FIFA Series Opener

Jordan Bos snatches late winner as Australia edge Cameroon

Jordan Bos scores late winner as lackluster Australia scrape past Cameroon in FIFA Series match, with Socceroos using game to test inexperienced players ahead of World Cup.

Socceroos scrape past Cameroon in dull FIFA Series match, with Jordan Bos scoring late winner...

Australia scraped a 1-0 win over Cameroon in a dull friendly, with Jordan Bos scoring a late winner. The match was played at Sydney's Stadium Australia, and the win will give the Socceroos a confidence boost ahead of the World Cup.

The game was low on chances, with Bos netting the decisive goal for Australia with just five minutes left to play. 

Ajdin Hrustic's penalty miss proved costly as Australia narrowly lost to Venezuela 1-0, adding to their struggles in the FIFA Series 2026. The Socceroos had previously gone down 3-0 to Colombia.

The FIFA Series 2026 is heating up, with Curacao also in action, having lost 2-0 to China earlier at the same venue.

“First half we couldn't really break through, and then second half we kept on coming,” Bos said.

“We had some chances and it was coming down to the last 10 minutes, and I got the goal in and we got the win. So that's important.”

What a finish from Jordy Bos! 🔥

This was the pitchside view of his third CommBank #Socceroos goal - to give us the 1-0 win over Cameroon! 💚💛#AUSvCMR pic.twitter.com/GoAwqs4RId

— CommBank Socceroos (@Socceroos) March 27, 2026

The Socceroos are gearing up for their sixth straight World Cup, and coach Tony Popovic used the Cameroon match to test some new faces. Lucas Herrington, 18, and Deni Juric got their debuts, with Herrington a standout performer at the back.

Herrington, a Colorado Rapids defender, and Poland-based striker Juric were among those vying for a spot in the World Cup squad, with several places still up for grabs. 

Australia started strongly, with debutants Herrington and Juric looking comfortable, but struggled to break down a lively Cameroon side.

Cameroon, rebuilding after missing out on World Cup qualification, gave Australia a tough test, keeping them at bay for much of the game. 

The first half was a slog on a slippery pitch, with both teams struggling to create chances. Australia's coach Tony Popovic made changes at half-time, bringing on Awer Mabil and Nestory Irankunda for Deni Juric and Martin Boyle.

The second-half substitutions sparked some life into the game, with Australia pushing harder for a breakthrough. 

Cameroon debutant Oliver Kamdem gave away a late penalty, but goalkeeper Devis Epassy was equal to Ajdin Hrustic's spot-kick, diving the right way to keep Australia at bay.

The Socceroos continued to push, and it paid off in the end with Jordan Bos scoring the winner. 

Nestory Irankunda had two great chances as Australia pushed for a goal, but it was Jordan Bos who stole the show, beating a defender and scoring the winner after a great pass from Paul Okon.

Jordy Bos' clinical finish seals our first win in 2026 💪#Socceroos #AUSvCMR pic.twitter.com/ffHR7aVGpA

— CommBank Socceroos (@Socceroos) March 27, 2026

Australia's World Cup group stage awaits: they'll face the United States, Paraguay, and a European nation (to be confirmed) in Group D.