Australia is one step closer to its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign after coach Tony Popovic named his 26-player Socceroos squad.
The tournament kicks off later this month across the U.S, Canada and Mexico.
Here’s what to know.
Debutants
The squad features 17 players in line for their first World Cup appearance.
Among them are Cristian Volpato and Tete Yengi, who are yet to make their Socceroos debuts.
Goalkeeper and captain Mat Ryan leads the experienced contingent with a squad-high 104 international appearances.
Ryan and Melbourne City’s Mathew Leckie are both set for a fourth World Cup campaign, which would equal the Australian record held by Tim Cahill and Mark Milligan.
Squad
GOALKEEPERS: Patrick Beach, Paul Izzo, Mat Ryan
Your contribution ensures The Daily Aus can continue doing the work you love.
I want to give $10 monthly to help TDA keep doing the news.
Your account details:
DEFENDERS: Aziz Behich, Jordan Bos, Cameron Burgess, Alessandro Circati, Milos Degenek, Jason Geria, Lucas Herrington, Jacob Italiano, Harry
Souttar, Kai Trewin
MIDFIELDERS: Cameron Devlin, Ajdin Hrustic, Jackson Irvine, Connor Metcalfe, Paul Okon-Engstler, Aiden O'Neill
FORWARDS: Nestory Irankunda, Mathew Leckie, Awer Mabil, Mohamed Toure, Nishan Velupillay, Cristian Volpato, Tete Yengi
What's next
The squad announcement comes a day after 15th-ranked Mexico defeated Australia 1-0 in a friendly.
The Socceroos have one remaining warm-up match before the World Cup, facing Switzerland on 7 June.
Australia has been drawn in Group D alongside Türkiye, Paraguay and host nation the U.S.
The Socceroos’ best-ever World Cup result is making the Round of 16 twice – in 2006 and 2022.
