As the FIFA World Cup looms, the high-stakes battles Australian football faces both on the pitch and in the boardroom only becomes clearer.

Australia is officially locked into Group D for the World Cup in North America. In this week's episode of The Issue, we unpack the schedule - from the kickoff against Turkey in Vancouver, to a highly anticipated Seattle showdown against the USA that doubles as a potential sideline summit for Anthony Albanese and Donald Trump. 

Newly appointed Football Australia CEO Martin Kugeler has a massive task ahead with critical broadcast negotiations fast approaching, and a fight with the federal government for $50 million towards a National Football Headquarters in Sydney.  

Can the country's biggest participation sport finally claim its primetime crown?