SOCCEROOS fans could have the chance to cheer for green and gold on the big screen if City of Newcastle is successful in its bid for a live site.
The state government said in May that two massive free live sites would transform Darling Harbour and Sydney Olympic Park into live fan zones during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but left Newcastle on the sidelines.
Backed by unanimous support from the council on Tuesday night, independent lord mayor Gavin Morris has already written to politicians asking for a live site.
"After one of our own, Connor Metcalfe, scored in game one, there's an even greater reason that Newcastle deserves a live site," he said.
"We have the capacity, the enthusiasm, and the passion for the world game."
The first of the live sites was provided on June 14, when the Socceroos played Turkey. The next match, held between Australia and the US, kicks off on Saturday.
A spokesman for Minister for Sport Steve Kamper did not address questions about why Newcastle was excluded from the live site program, or whether he would consider the council's request, but said there was "no doubt" World Cup fever had gripped the nation.
"The only thing better than being at the match, is watching it alongside your fellow Australians at the local pub, club or watch party," he said.
"Councils across the state are putting on watch parties, so that locals can come together as a community and cheer on our mighty Socceroos."
The last time City of Newcastle hosted a live site, Wheeler Place was packed to the rafters with fans cheering on the Matildas against France in 2023.
Liberal councillor Callum Pull brought the late item to council, arguing NSW's "second city" should be allowed to host a live site too.
Labor councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said she was happy to support a live site, provided it came at no cost to ratepayers.
"I do recall the streaming licences being extremely expensive, that have to be organised, and the significant costs that come with that," she said.
After Saturday, the next opportunity to watch the Socceroos in the Group Stage will be when they play Paraguay on June 26.
