In just a few days, the Socceroos embark on their sixth straight World Cup campaign in a North American tournament that promises to bigger – if not better – than those before it.

Jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada, the World Cup officially kicks off on Friday morning Australian time when Mexico takes on South Africa at the famed Estadio Azteca.

Australia’s first match will be its Group D opener against Turkey in Vancouver at the Australian fan-friendly time of 2pm (AEST) Sunday.

This year’s field has been expanded to 48 teams from the usual 32, meaning an average of almost four matches will be held each day across the three countries.

The final will be played at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19.

Whether you are planning a World Cup watching marathon, or are just planning on tuning in for the Socceroos, here’s what you need to know.

What does the team look like

Socceroos coach Tony Popovic was a member of Australia’s storied World Cup team that reached the second round of the 2006 tournament.

For North America, he has opted for a blend of experience with plenty of fresh faces in his 26-man squad.

Popovic has taken two uncapped attackers to North America in Tete Yengi, 25, and the 22-year-old  Cristian Volpato – who shifted allegiances from Italy to Australia in May.

The pair are among 17 Australians who will make their World Cup debut, including 18-year-old defender Lucas Herrington.

Anchoring the less experienced players are captain/goalkeeper Mat Ryan and forward Mathew Leckie, who are playing in their fourth World Cup. They will equal the national representative record shared by Tim Cahill and Mark Milligan.

Jordan Bos, arguably Australia’s best player, will bring plenty of experience on left wing-back with big-match experience playing for Dutch side Feyenoord.

Who are the Socceroos group opponents

Australia is drawn in Group D for the first round of the World Cup alongside Turkey, Paraguay and joint host the United States.

The Socceroos have been cast as the underdogs of the group, despite being sitting at 27th on the FIFA world rankings ahead of Paraguay.

The United States, ranked 17th, has been quick to assert its confidence in reaching the second round, with 22-ranked Turkey also favoured.

After meeting Turkey on Sunday, Australia will take on the US, and an expected partisan crowd in Seattle at 5am (AEST) Saturday.

The final group match against Paraguay will be at noon (AEST) on Friday, June 26 .

The top two teams in each group advance to the knockout stage, along with the eight best third-place teams.

Australia drew 1-1 with Switzerland in its final warm up match this week, after losing 1-0 t0 Mexico the week before.

Source: AAP

How to watch

All 104 World Cup matches will be broadcast free on SBS or available to stream on SBS On Demand.

As well as your lounge room or device, there will be live sites for Socceroo fans across Australia, including: Allianz Stadium, Tumbalong Park and Olympic Park in Sydney; Federation Square, AAMI Park and Marvel Stadium in Melbourne; South Bank in Brisbane; The Drive in Adelaide; Northbridge Piazza in Perth; and Darwin Football Stadium.

Who are the tournament favourites?

The top teams to watch this year are no surprise, headed by 2022 runner-up France and reigning European champion Spain.

England is in strong form and hoping for its first Cup since 1966, while defending champion Argentina and five-time winner Brazil round out the top five, according to bookmakers.

Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands are expected to feature in the final stages, while Norway and Belgium could also be a chance.

With friendly crowds and home field advantage, the United States and Mexico like their chances this year, similar to the unexpected 2002 campaign by then-host South Korea.

Australia’s regional rival Japan knocked off Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup and can’t be ignored, while Croatia, Switzerland and Turkey look ominous.

South Americans Colombia, Uruguay  and Ecuador, meanwhile, consistently prove they cannot be ignored.

Who else to watch

While World Cups are often where good players can earn their reputation, this tournament will also feature swan songs for two of the game’s undisputed legends.

Two greats of the game will make history at this World Cup. Photo: AAP

Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo will become the first men to appear in six World Cups, and almost certainly their last.

Messi, who turns 39 on June 24, won the Golden Ball as the best player at the 2022 World Cup after scoring seven goals and setting up three others.

Ronaldo, 41, is already the only man to score at five World Cups and will be looking to secure the only major international trophy to elude him so far.