Socceroos Finalize 2026 World Cup Squad: Youth & Experience Blend
"The group is exciting for the Australian public." — Coach Tony Popovic
The Australian men's national football team (Socceroos) has completed its preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Coach Tony Popovic named a 26-player squad for the tournament, which includes two uncapped players. The team drew 0-0 with Mexico in its final warm-up match in Pasadena, California.
Squad Announcement
Popovic selected a 26-player squad for the World Cup, featuring 17 players making their tournament debut.
Goalkeeper Mathew Ryan and forward Mathew Leckie will participate in their fourth World Cup, matching the national record. Aziz Behich, Milos Degenek, and Jackson Irvine will play in their third World Cup.
Two uncapped players were included: winger Cristian Volpato and striker Tete Yengi. Volpato, 22, recently switched his international allegiance from Italy to Australia. Yengi, 25, earned selection after scoring six goals in 22 appearances in Japan's J1 League and AFC Champions League for Machida Zelvia.
Popovic described a team mantra of "why not us" and encouraged fans to believe in the team.
Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Patrick Beach (Melbourne City), Paul Izzo (Randers), Mathew 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)
Forwards: Ajdin Hrustic (Heracles Almelo), Nestory Irankunda (Watford), Awer Mabil (Castellon), Mohamed Toure (Norwich City), Nishan Velupillay (Melbourne Victory), Cristian Volpato (Sassuolo), Tete Yengi (Machida Zelvia)
Notable Omissions
Four players were cut from the training squad: goalkeeper Joe Gauci, defender Kye Rowles, and forwards Brandon Borrello and Martin Boyle. Boyle, 33, missed the 2022 World Cup due to injury. Midfielder Riley McGree was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Mitch Duke was among eight players cut earlier.
Pre-Tournament Friendly: Mexico 0-0 Australia
The Socceroos drew 0-0 with Mexico at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on May 30, 2026. The match served as a final preparation for the World Cup.
First Half
Mexico won an early free-kick and corner, but Australia defended well. In the 13th minute, a free-kick delivery by Connor Metcalfe led to a shot by Jackson Irvine that went just wide. Mexico dominated possession, but Australia's defense remained disciplined. Mexico's Luis Chávez had a long-range shot that went over the bar.
Second Half
No goals were scored.
Team News
Australia started with a 5-2-3 formation. Mathew Leckie made his first appearance in two years; Harry Souttar returned after 18 months out. Eighteen-year-old Lucas Herrington was given a starting spot.
Popovic stated after the match that the team was "very anxious and nervous" in the first half but showed "good signs" after the break. Harry Souttar said: "The first half an hour I just don't think we got the press right... second half we were very good."
Cristian Volpato Allegiance Switch
"Playing in a World Cup for your nation is something unreal. ... I think it's time to come home." — Cristian Volpato
Cristian Volpato, a 22-year-old attacking midfielder for Italian club Sassuolo, switched his international allegiance from Italy to Australia days before the squad finalization. Football Australia confirmed it submitted paperwork to FIFA and received a release letter from the Italian Football Federation.
Volpato was born in Camperdown, New South Wales, and previously represented Italy at under-19, under-20, and under-21 levels. He declined an opportunity to play for Australia at the 2022 World Cup.
Popovic visited Volpato in February after the player indicated openness to representing Australia. The coach said at the time: "There were no ultimatums or any pressure. It was a discussion... if he wants to play for Australia, whether it's [in] three months, six months, a year – they're young men, you have to respect the decisions they have to make."
Adrian Segecic Allegiance Switch
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic addressed the decision of Adrian Segecic to switch allegiance from Australia to Croatia. Segecic, who had represented Australia at under-17, under-20, and under-23 levels, officially declared for Croatia before earning a senior cap for Australia. Under FIFA rules, a senior cap for Croatia would prevent him from returning to represent Australia.
Popovic stated that Australia provides opportunities for young players to progress to the senior team. He questioned the need to promise playing time to young individuals and respected Segecic's choice to play for Croatia.
Player Allegiance Context
The Segecic decision follows a similar choice by Cristian Volpato, who opted for Australia over Italy. Nestory Irankunda, who previously faced speculation regarding his international future, earned 11 caps and scored three goals for the Socceroos before the World Cup. He became Australia's second-youngest men's goal scorer in June 2024.
World Cup Group D Schedule
The Socceroos begin their World Cup campaign in Group D, which includes Turkiye, the United States, and Paraguay.
Group Stage Matches:
- June 14: Australia vs. Turkiye, BC Place, Vancouver (2pm AEST)
- June 20: USA vs. Australia, Lumen Field, Seattle (5am AEST)
- June 26: Paraguay vs. Australia, Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara (12pm AEST)