With Australia’s Socceroos and the All Whites of New Zealand among the 48 finalists at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, football fever is already building in homes on both sides of the Tasman.

While the action will unfold across the US, Mexico and Canada from 11 June until the final at New York’s New Jersey Stadium on 19 July, many fans will bring the excitement home, gathering family and friends around big screens, outdoor entertainment areas and backyard barbecues to cheer on their favourite teams. And there will be plenty of stars to watch.

Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who plays for Spanish giants FC Barcelona, is expected to be among the tournament's headline acts. Portugal's midfield maestro Vitinha, who plies his trade with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), will be central to his nation's hopes, while Norway's prolific striker Erling Haaland of Manchester City will finally get the opportunity to showcase his talents as his nation returns to football's biggest stage for the first time in 28 years. Closer to home, the Socceroos received a significant boost when talented midfielder Cristian Volpato, who plays in Italy, committed his international future to Australia in May after previously representing Italy at the youth level. Meanwhile, New Zealand's hopes will rest heavily on captain Chris Wood, the Nottingham Forest striker who continues to enjoy outstanding success in the English Premier League and remains a well-respected forward in world football.

Creating the ultimate home viewing experience

Major sporting events increasingly influence the way Australians and New Zealanders use their homes.

Whether it's outdoor entertaining spaces, covered alfresco areas, media rooms, home theatres, rumpus rooms and dedicated "man caves" will become highly sought-after features, allowing property owners to create their own private FIFA World Cup live site over the next six weeks as the action on the pitch heats up.

The beauty of football is that it brings people together. Whether it's a few mates gathering to watch the Socceroos take on their Group D rivals — hosts the United States, Paraguay and Türkiye — or a large family get-together cheering on New Zealand against Belgium, Mo Salah's Egypt and Iran in Group G, the home often becomes the centre of the celebration. Large-screen televisions, comfortable seating, outdoor kitchens and fire pits all help create the perfect atmosphere for a World Cup viewing party.

A home built for entertaining

One property that would make an ideal World Cup headquarters is the stunning acreage lifestyle property at Luddenham, a semi-rural suburb in Greater Western Sydney.

Set on approximately 2 hectares, the residence listed for sale by Nick Alexopoulos, Principal of Raine & Horne Gledswood Hills, and sales colleague Jaytee Spiteri at 35 Twin Creeks Drive offers expansive open-plan living and dining spaces. Set within the prestigious Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club estate, this architecturally designed single-level residence delivers a lifestyle of absolute luxury, privacy, and resort-style entertaining.

The property's spacious design and spectacular home theatre also make it easy to host any World Cup get-together from an intimate match-night gathering to a full-scale football celebration.

New Zealand's future sports headquarters?

Across the Tasman, a property at 5 Bute Street, Woolston, offers an intriguing opportunity for those hoping to cheer on the All Whites and some of their other World Cup favourites.

While it may not yet have a fully developed sports den, the property listed by the dynamic duo of Tina Lawson and Nick McIsaac-Luke of Raine & Horne Parklands | New Brighton | Shirley | Burwood | Marshland, features the perfect blank canvas for buyers dreaming of creating the ultimate man cave, games room or home entertainment space.

It might not be ready in time for the FIFA World Cup, but purchase it now, and you'll be well-positioned to unveil your completed sporting sanctuary in time for the Rugby League World Cup in October.

Want to unleash your inner Messi?

For football fans looking to take the connection one step further, there is even a property opportunity close to sporting facilities.

The property listed by Yhoden Gyamfi and Kerem Erturk of Raine & Horne Soultani Group Blacktown at 11 Calga Place, Old Toongabbie, offers easy access to local sporting fields, making it ideal for anyone inspired to dust off the boots and channel their inner Lionel Messi after watching the Socceroos and A Whites take on the World Cup’s best.

This is a rare opportunity to secure a beautifully renovated home in a tightly held and family-friendly neighbourhood. Offering lifestyle, location, and quality in equal measure, this residence is ready to welcome its next owners.

More than just a tournament

Just as Raine & Horne is one of Australasia's largest real estate brands, the FIFA World Cup is much more than a sporting event. Whether you're supporting the Socceroos, backing the All Whites, cheering for Spain, France, Portugal, Norway or one of the other 42 countries involved, the tournament that attracts billions of eyeballs creates memories that often revolve around the home.

As football's biggest event approaches, now might be the perfect time to think about whether your home is ready to host the ultimate World Cup experience.

For all your residential sales and property management needs, contact your local Raine & Horne office today.