The Socceroos will announce their 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on 1 June, with coach Tony Popovic finalizing his selections during a training camp in Florida. The squad features a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, with many players set to make their World Cup debut.
The Locks
Goalkeeper Mat Ryan is the safest selection, having had a solid season with Levante in La Liga. He is one of only two starters from the 2022 round of 16 defeat against Argentina likely to feature in the starting XI against Turkey. The other is Riley McGree, who could earn Premier League promotion with Middlesbrough this weekend.
World Cup rookies form the core of the side, including left-back Jordy Bos, central defender Alessandro Circati, and forwards Mo Toure and Nestory Irankunda. At 30, central defender Cam Burgess will also attend his first World Cup after an impressive season with Swansea City in the Championship, playing every minute of all 46 league matches.
The Likelies
Veterans Jackson Irvine and Harry Souttar are recovering from injuries and will be included if fit. Irvine's club-mate at St Pauli, Connor Metcalfe, is expected to be named due to his versatility. Aziz Behich, a 2022 starter, now plays in the A-League for Melbourne City and is likely to deputize for Bos at left-back.
Mat Leckie, a hero in 2022, has regained fitness and was praised by Popovic after a strong performance for Melbourne City. The 35-year-old is now a strong chance for his fourth World Cup. Aiden O'Neill, despite an ankle injury, has joined the camp and is expected to be named if fit. Defenders Kai Trewin and Lucas Herrington have impressed in MLS and are likely inclusions.
Attacking trio Martin Boyle, Awer Mabil, and Ajdin Hrustic have done enough, while midfielder Cammy Devlin has surged into contention after a fine season with Hearts. Jacob Italiano has become Popovic's preferred right-back after Lewis Miller's injury.
The Bubble
Patrick Yazbek suffered a quad injury in May and is racing to prove fitness. Beneficiaries could be Alex Robertson or Paul Okon-Engstler. Kye Rowles, a starter in Qatar, has fallen down the pecking order and may rely on his versatility. On the right side, Fran Karacic and Jason Geria compete to deputize for Italiano.
Three goalkeepers—Patrick Beach, Joe Gauci, and Paul Izzo—will be reduced to two backups for Ryan. Winger Nishan Velupillay hopes to impress in camp. The forward line is the biggest selection dilemma, with Ante Šuto, Deni Juric, Mitch Duke, and other A-League Men players vying for a spot.
The Long Shots
Garang Kuol, who excited fans in 2022, has struggled in Europe and is a long shot for a late call-up. Emerging players Daniel Bennie, Raphael Borges Rodrigues, and Sammy Silvera are in the training group, while central defenders Gianni Stensness and Dylan Leonard are also in camp. The A-League Men contingent includes Brandon Borrello, Nick D'Agostino, and Anthony Caceres, hoping Popovic's affection for domestic players extends to them.
