World Cup screening set for Ballarat

Ballarat football fans will be able to cheer on the Socceroos with the community, with a free 2026 FIFA World Cup live site confirmed for the city.

Alfred Deakin Place at the Art Gallery of Ballarat will host a regional live screening of Australia’s opening match against Türkiye on Sunday, June 14, giving local fans a central place to gather and share in the excitement.

The Ballarat event is part of a Victorian Government program bringing World Cup live sites to Melbourne and regional Victoria, with screenings also planned for Geelong, Bendigo, Gippsland and Shepparton.

AAMI Park and Federation Square will host live sites for all three of the Socceroos’ group-stage matches, while regional live sites will screen the opening game.

The Socceroos’ group-stage fixtures are:

Australia v Türkiye, Sunday, June 14, 2pm

Australia v USA, Saturday, June 20, 5am

Australia v Paraguay, Friday, June 26, 12pm

The Ballarat live site at Alfred Deakin Place at the Art Gallery of Ballarat has been confirmed for the opening match against Türkiye, with further details on regional screenings for the remaining matches to be made available through council.

The free live sites will offer big screens, passionate crowds and a strong sense of community, giving fans the chance to experience a major international tournament atmosphere close to home.

Minister for Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said the tournament would unite fans across Victoria.

“The World Cup brings us together and now the 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to our backyard.”

“These live sites mean every Victorian can come together and be part of the World Cup.”

Minister for Tourism Natalie Suleyman said the events would be a win for both supporters and regional communities.

“From Melbourne to Shepparton, Ballarat to Gippsland Victorians will be cheering on the Socceroos together.”

“This is a win for fans and a boost for tourism and local business in regional communities.”

Security measures will be in place at Federation Square for Melbourne screenings, including fencing, entry gates, bag searches and hand wands.

More information on regional live sites for the remaining Socceroos matches will be made available through regional councils.