How Australia's World Cup chef knows the players like his food

For Vini Capovilla, the chef catering to the Australian Socceroos at their fourth World Cup, success is measured in two simple ways: how much food the players clear from their plates and the remaining level of Vegemite. These are his unique barometers for player satisfaction.

“

The focus is on performance and also the safety of the players. But there is a third factor that I think is key, and that is their wellbeing, their wellness.

The team's accommodation for the 2026 World Cup is the luxurious Claremont Country Club in Berkeley, California, a choice facilitated by FIFA's prioritization of teams. Gary Moretti, Football Australia's head of teams, explained that Australia's direct qualification and seeding placed them favorably for selecting a team base camp that meets all performance requirements and offers a resort-style hotel experience.

“

Vegemite is a staple food. We cannot escape from it.

Inside the Claremont Country Club, reminders of the Socceroos' history are omnipresent. The dining room walls are adorned with photos of past World Cup teams, and original jerseys from every tournament since 1974 hang in the hallways. These displays serve as constant inspiration, reminding players of past achievements and motivating them to strive for more. "Qualifying for a World Cup is never taken for granted and you have to value that," Moretti stated. "That homage to those successful periods, those successful eras is critical to us."

“

FIFA prioritised a number of teams with their team base camps selection, so having qualified directly and falling in pot two for the final draw, we were prioritised in our team base camp selection choice.

The players have access to a first-class gym, recovery areas, a pool, and recreational facilities including a pool table, ping-pong, darts, and a PlayStation. Notably, laptops are not permitted in the recreation room, emphasizing a focus on rest and team bonding. A coffee bar has also become a popular amenity, with player Cammy Devlin reportedly being a frequent visitor.

“

Qualifying for a World Cup is never taken for granted and you have to value that. That homage to those successful periods, those successful eras is critical to us. The players walk past it every day.