Fed Square To Screen Socceroos Matches After Government Intervention
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has announced that the Victorian Government will overturn the Melbourne Arts Precinct’s decision not to screen Socceroos matches on the big screen at Federation Square during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The original decision, announced by Melbourne Arts Precinct Director and CEO Katrina Sedgwick, cited safety and crowd management concerns following incidents at previous major football screenings.
Football Australia strongly opposed the move and urged the state government to intervene, arguing that live public screenings are important for fans, local businesses, and Australia’s multicultural communities. The organisation also described Federation Square as one of the nation’s most iconic sporting venues.
Premier Allan confirmed today that the Victorian Government would fully support World Cup live-site events at Federation Square while also considering additional viewing venues and football-related events across Victoria.
The concerns are partly linked to incidents during the 2022 World Cup screening of Australia’s match against Argentina, when around 15,000 fans gathered at Fed Square. According to ABC News, some attendees set off fireworks and threw flares during the event.
In a statement released today, the Victorian Government said there would be “zero tolerance” for misconduct, with police and security present throughout the screenings.
Sedgwick welcomed the government’s decision, saying:
“We’ll work closely with the Victorian Government, City of Melbourne and Victoria Police to create a safe and secure environment, and we look forward to seeing the Socceroos back on the world stage, and on the Big Screen next month.”
Australia will begin its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Turkey on Sunday, June 14, at 2:00 p.m. AEST.
Further details regarding public screenings at Federation Square are expected closer to the tournament.
SOURCES:
premier.vic.gov.au
footballaustralia.com.au
abc.net.au/news
fedsquare.wpenginepowered.com
7news.com.au
