The Socceroos have announced their 26-player squad for the 2026 World Cup, with coach Tony Popovic making bold selections by including two uncapped attackers. Winger Cristian Volpato, a former Italy youth international, joins the squad after completing his change of allegiance, while towering striker Tete Yengi earned his place following a strong season with Japanese club Machida Zelvia.
Key Omissions and Squad Decisions
Popovic had to cut four players from his training squad to meet the 26-player limit. The unfortunate omissions were goalkeeper Joe Gauci, defender Kye Rowles, and forwards Brandon Borrello and Martin Boyle. Boyle, who missed the 2022 World Cup due to injury, expressed his heartbreak on Instagram, writing: "Left it all out there. Heart and soul. Here's to 2030." Rowles, who played every match in Qatar four years ago alongside Harry Souttar, was also considered unlucky to miss out.
Volpato's Long-Awaited Commitment
Volpato, born and raised in Sydney, finally committed to Australia after previously snubbing multiple approaches, including an invitation from former coach Graham Arnold to join the squad for the 2022 Qatar World Cup. The 22-year-old arrived at the Socceroos camp over the weekend but did not feature in Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Mexico. Popovic commented on Volpato: "There's a lot of growth and potential still there, which pretty much sums up a lot of our players at the moment."
Full Squad List
Goalkeepers: Patrick Beach (Melbourne City), Paul Izzo (Randers), Mat Ryan (Levante)
Defenders: Aziz Behich (Melbourne City), Jordan Bos (Feyenoord), Cameron Burgess (Swansea City), Alessandro Circati (Parma), Milos Degenek (APOEL), Jason Geria (Albirex Niigata), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Jacob Italiano (Grazer AK), Harry Souttar (Leicester City), Kai Trewin (New York City)
Midfielders: Cameron Devlin (Hearts), Jackson Irvine (St Pauli), Mathew Leckie (Melbourne City), Connor Metcalfe (St Pauli), Aiden O'Neill (New York City), Paul Okon-Engstler (Sydney FC)
Attackers: Ajdin Hrustic (Heracles Almelo), Nestory Irankunda (Watford), Awer Mabil (Castellon), Mohamed Touré (Norwich City), Nishan Velupillay (Melbourne Victory), Cristian Volpato (Sassuolo), Tete Yengi (Machida Zelvia)
Injury Replacements and Young Talent
The three omitted outfield players may still be called upon before the first game, as FIFA regulations allow replacing an injured player up to 24 hours before the first match. Injured goalkeepers can be replaced at any time during the tournament. Selection in a second World Cup marks an unlikely comeback for Harry Souttar, who suffered an Achilles injury in December 2024 and has only just returned. The 27-year-old provides a physical presence in both penalty areas, highlighted by his international goalscoring rate of better than one every four matches. Even more improbable is the rise of 18-year-old Lucas Herrington, who played alongside Souttar against Mexico. A year ago, he was playing for Brisbane Roar, but a move to MLS side Colorado has seen him prove his ability against the likes of Leo Messi and Son Heung-min. Herrington won't break the record of the youngest Australian to play at a World Cup – Garang Kuol was 18 years and 79 days old in Qatar – but he is part of a young core that includes Mo Touré, Nestory Irankunda, Alessandro Circati, and Jordy Bos, all 23 or under, who have already proven themselves in Europe's toughest leagues. A total of 17 squad members will be at their first World Cup.
Popovic's Confidence in Youth
"None of these boys are here to just sit on the side and not be involved," Popovic said. "I want them all to give me a headache every week, and I believe in these young boys. I think they should believe in themselves more, and I know that will come with time. But they should feel assured and confident that they have a coach that believes in them, and that's why they're selected, and they know they are selected for this World Cup. They're not selected for future ones, they're selected for this one." Their presence is balanced by veterans Mathew Leckie, Maty Ryan, Jackson Irvine, and Aziz Behich. The A-League Men contingent includes Behich, Paul Okon-Engstler, Nishan Velupillay, Patrick Beach, and Leckie. Okon-Engstler, son of assistant coach and former Socceroo Paul Okon, has had a taste of European football with Benfica and is likely to attract more interest if he impresses in North America.
