The Socceroos have suffered a fiery 1-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico in the last game before coach Tony Popovic picks his squad for the World Cup.
Australia were completely dominated by the world No.15 side in the opening half in front of a raucous, parochial crowd of 78,479 fans at the Rose Bowl stadium, before responding after halftime, albeit without reward.
Johan Vasquez's header in the 28th minute proved the difference but Mohamed Toure should have equalised on the stroke of half-time.
Australia improved after the break, but the game erupted into an all-in scuffle after Mexico attempted to take a free kick quickly and thought they'd scored in the 76th minute - but it was called back.
A day before picking his squad on June 1, Popovic named a largely experienced line-up, including Mathew Leckie and Harry Souttar's first starts since late 2024.
