With much of Australia experiencing a frenzy of excitement around the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Former Socceroo and Gooreng Gooreng man David Williams says the world game resonates with Indigenous communities.
"It's just exciting, the world game bringing so many people together, and I think that's the way we can resonate as well, with Indigenous people, a sense of pride, connection, community and resilience," he told NITV's Nula program.
Having finished up with Perth Glory last year after playing with a number of A-League clubs, Williams is currently coaching the all-First Nations Charles Perkins XI squad.
He said it was a role he fell into after being injured at the Glory and one he took great pride in.
Williams said some of the players in the youth squad had just missed out on places in their state teams so it gave them a chance to be part of competition football still at a high level.
"For me, being in charge, I've been able to give these players a fair go, essentially give them a second chance to perform at the highest level of their age group," he said.
Williams said he loved seeing the players develop and learn resilience.
Having played at the highest level himself, representing his country, he is keen to see the Socceroos take their game to the next level at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
On Sunday the team had a 2-0 win against Türkiye in their opening game and are now preparing to take on tournament co-hosts, the USA .
"They’re going to be very excited and hopefully that translates in the focus it takes to push through these games," Williams said.
He may be tipping a couple of the favourites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup but he suggests footy fans keep an eye on another team also worth watching.
Williams said Brazil would have the most pressure on them going into this competition.
"They haven’t won much recently and Neymar coming back into the side after being out for a couple of years through injury and whatnot, as a nation they have foot in their blood, they have the biggest burden, not just from their people but from the press."
He said Morocco was one of the teams that may surprise some spectators.
"They have invested in the youth in the last couple of years, with training facilities and focus on their young national teams," Williams said.
"They played some good pre-World Cup games."
He said the Moroccan team had surprised him in the recent games he'd had glimpses of.
"Portugal are going to be very strong but Spain and France are going to be in the top four for me," Williams said.
Williams will be regularly contributing to Nula through the FIFA World Cup which will culminate with the final game to crown the overall winner on19 July.
