Sydney’s football heartland to host two Socceroos’ World Cup live sites

Football fans will be able to cheer on the Socceroos at two special live sites in the City of Parramatta as they take on Argentina in a crucial World Cup round this weekend.

City of Parramatta Council will be showing the do-or-die game on a giant screen in Parramatta Square, in the heart of the CBD, as well as at Rydalmere Park for a family-friendly event, from 5am on Sunday. 

“Parramatta is the geographical heart of Sydney, and football is at the heart of many in our community,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Donna Davis said.

“We are so proud of our Socceroos; to have reached this stage for just the second time in the national team’s history is inspirational.

“We know how much our community wanted somewhere to come together on Sunday to celebrate this historic moment, and I’m proud that City of Parramatta Council has been able to deliver that at not just one – but two - locations.

“PHIVE will be lit up in green and gold in honour of our Socceroos, providing the perfect backdrop for an event that is sure to rival Melbourne’s Federation Square.

“Rydalmere Park is the heartland of community soccer in Western Sydney and one of the best football facilities in the state, so I can’t think of a better place for families to watch this historic moment.”

Cr Davis invited everyone to join the crowds in Parramatta Square and Rydalmere and show the Socceroos how much support they have in Western Sydney. 

“I’m sure our Australian men’s team will feel the passion and excitement in our community all the way over in Qatar on Sunday - go the Socceroos!”

The NSW State Government is jointly funding the live sites alongside the City of Parramatta.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said Sunday’s clash is a thrilling opportunity for Parramatta and Western Sydney to come out and support the Socceroos and to celebrate.

“The Socceroos have showed passion and determination to be where they are now, and for the time since 2006, the team and their efforts deserve to be celebrated,” Mr Perrottet said. 

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the NSW Government worked with the City of Parramatta Council to establish a live site. 

“Western Sydney is the source of so much Socceroo’s talent and where players like Mitch Duke and Aaron Mooy honed their craft, as well as where thousands of junior footballers are imagining their own World Cup success today,” Mr Henskens said.

“I would encourage all football fans across Sydney to head down to one of the live sites, or to your local pub or club, to celebrate and cheer on the Socceroos on Sunday.”  

Visit AT Parramatta for details.