Socceroos face final European test ahead of World Cup

The Socceroos will conclude their preparations for the World Cup in North America with a warm-up examination against Switzerland, the first time they'll have faced European opposition since 2023.

Tony Popovic's side will take on the world No.19-ranked Swiss in San Diego, USA, on Saturday, June 6 (Sunday, June 7 AEST), their last outing before facing another European side Turkey in their World Cup group D opener a week later in Vancouver, Canada.

The Swiss, who've qualified for a sixth-straight time and have four times reached the round-of-16 in the last five editions, are much fancied to ease through what looks the weakest World Cup pool.

Popovic called it a "great final hit-out for us before the World Cup commences", describing Switzerland as "strong top-20 opponents".

Having guided them undefeated through their qualification group, former Swiss international Murat Yakin is now expected to steer his team past co-hosts Canada (ranked 30), Bosnia and Herzegovina (65) and Qatar (55) in group B.

The match represents ideal preparation, especially as the 27th-ranked Socceroos, faced so often with Asian opposition in their competitive schedule, rarely get the chance to face top European opposition.

The last time Australia played a top European nation was in October 2023 when they were beaten 1-0 by England at Wembley.

In their build-up before the opener against Turkey, the Socceroos, who will be based in California, will first face co-hosts Mexico on 30th May at the Pasadena Rose Bowl before their other date a week later with the Swiss at San Diego's Snapdragon Stadium at 12 noon on June 6 (5am AEST, June 7).