NSW Government activates Sydney with live sites to help fans support Socceroos

The NSW Government is activating Sydney with live sites to allow football fans to cheer on the Socceroos when they step onto the pitch for their final 16 match in the 2022 World Cup on Sunday morning.

The Socceroos defeated Denmark 1-0 in their final group match to clinch a spot in the final 16, the first time the men's national team has made it to the knockout stage since the "Golden Generation" of Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill in 2006.

The Socceroos will face Argentina at 6am AEDT on Sunday.

A large screen will be set up at Tumbalong Park from 5:30am in Darling Harbour in an alcohol-free, free public event. Darling Harbour retailers are being encouraged to open their doors early to welcome football fans travelling in to cheer on the national team.

The Sydney Opera House sails will also be lit up green and gold from 8pm Saturday night until dawn Sunday.

Transport will be free Sydney-wide on Sunday from 4am to 12pm to help fans get to and from the live sites.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the live sites will be an opportunity for fans to gather together to celebrate a historic moment.

NSW Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the live sites would operate in addition to extended trading hours for licensed venues and added “It is important that we can host a live site in Western Sydney, the source of so much Socceroos 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.

“I would encourage all football fans 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.”

NSW Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said Transport will be free Sydney-wide on Sunday to help fans get to and from the live sites.

Liverpool City Council Mayor Ned Mannoun has also arranged for the big match to be broadcast live from the heart of the Liverpool CBD at Macquarie Mall. The screen will be activated from 5am.

Darling Harbour
Two large screens will be set up at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour in an alcohol-free, free public event. Gates open from 5am ahead of 6am match start. Darling Harbour retailers are being encouraged to open their doors early to welcome football fans travelling in to cheer on the national team.

Liverpool CBD
The match will be broadcast on the big screen at the Moore Street end of the Macquarie Mall in the Liverpool CBD. The event starts at 5am in preparation for the 6am kick-off.

Parramatta Square
The match will be broadcast on multiple big screens at Parramatta Square from 5am.

Rydalmere Park
The match will be broadcast on multiple big screens at Rydalmere Park from 5am