Australia has qualified for the tournament's knockout phase on six occasions: in 1974, 2006, and the four subsequent tournaments. They have attempted to qualify for the World Cup 15 times, with their first attempt in 1966 ending in a loss to South Korea.
In their debut in 1974, representing the OFC, Australia, a team composed entirely of amateurs, earned a goalless draw against Chile but ultimately exited the tournament without scoring. However, in Germany 2006, they advanced to the Round of 16, where they were narrowly defeated by eventual champions Italy. In South Africa 2010, now representing the AFC, Australia faced a heavy 4–0 defeat to Germany, which hindered their progress. Despite a 1–1 draw against Ghana and a 2–1 win over Serbia, Australia were eliminated due to goal difference, finishing three goals behind Ghana. At Brazil 2014, Australia lost all three of their group matches. In the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Australia reached the Round of 16 for only the second time, but were defeated 2–1 by Argentina, who would go on to win the tournament.