Australia defeated Cameroon 1-0 in Sydney, ending a three-game losing streak ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Jordy Bos scored the lone goal in the 85th minute, slotting home a precise finish after a pass from Ajdin Hrustic.
Coach Tony Popovic used the match to test new combinations, fielding debutants Lucas Herrington and Deni Juric alongside veteran players. Hrustic, who had a 70th-minute penalty saved, later set up the winner.
"Winning while experimenting is the ideal," Popovic said. "We’re building depth and versatility for the World Cup. Players need to adapt quickly, even in unfamiliar roles."
The Socceroos, drawn in Group B with the U.S., Paraguay, and either Kosovo or Turkey, next face Curaçao on Tuesday as Popovic continues rotating his squad.