Mabil returns to Castellón buoyed by Australia start and goal | OneFootball

Awer Mabil heads back to Castellón lifted by a starting role and goal for Australia in a 5-1 win over Curaçao, a timely boost for the run-in.

He opened the scoring in Melbourne and impressed before the break, then the Socceroos pulled clear after half-time to win comfortably at AAMI Park. According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, it was their final home friendly before the 2026 World Cup, and Australia are already qualified for the tournament.

Post-match, Mabil framed the occasion as hugely significant on a personal level, stressing how special it felt to play again in Melbourne in front of supporters and family. He said the camp has left him with positivity, energy and a clear objective, and vowed to return and work twice as hard.

Castellón announced on 19 March that the winger had been recalled by Australia for the first time since September 2024, in the last window before the final World Cup list. He added that the head coach had urged him to keep working hard when he returned to his club.

Castellón now enter the LaLiga Hypermotion run-in and could benefit if he sustains this form. He is unlikely to feature against UD Almería on Thursday 2 April 2026 at 20:00, owing to transoceanic travel and jet lag. The club extended his contract in December until 2028, praising his international experience, attacking threat and impact.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo