Socceroos name new faces in final World Cup squad announcement
Australia head coach Tony Popovic has finalised his 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with uncapped pair Cristian Volpato and Tete Yengi among the headline inclusions for the tournament in North America.
The Socceroos boss confirmed his final selection after trimming four players from an extended training squad following their 1-0 loss to Mexico on Sunday, with experienced forward Martin Boyle, defender Kye Rowles, attacker Brandon Borrello and goalkeeper Joe Gauci all missing out.
Volpato’s selection ends years of speculation surrounding his international future. The 22-year-old Sassuolo playmaker, who previously represented Italy at youth level, earns his first senior Australia call-up and is expected to add creativity to the Socceroos’ attack.
MORE: How have the Socceroos faired at World Cups?
Yengi, meanwhile, receives a maiden selection after impressing with Japanese club Machida Zelvia. The towering striker offers a different option in attack and is one of only two uncapped players included in the squad.
Popovic has also recalled several experienced campaigners, including Harry Souttar, Mathew Leckie, Jackson Irvine, Mohamed Toure and Cameron Devlin. Souttar returns after an extended injury absence, while Leckie is set to equal the Australian record of four World Cup appearances alongside captain Mathew Ryan.
Seventeen members of Australia’s squad will be appearing at a FIFA World Cup for the first time, highlighting a significant generational shift within the national team.
The omission of Boyle is among the most notable decisions. The veteran attacker was part of Australia’s Qatar 2022 campaign and remained involved with the squad during the tournament despite injury, but has been overlooked as Popovic opted for younger attacking options.
“We’d like to acknowledge the players who contributed to our direct World Cup qualification but are not part of this squad,” Popovic said.
Australia, who are paying 501.00 to win the World Cup with football betting sites, will now turn its attention to final preparations ahead of a friendly against Switzerland on June 6 before opening its World Cup campaign against Türkiye on June 14.
The Socceroos are in Group D at the World Cup, which features Turkey, USA and Paraguay.
Socceroos show promise in Mexico loss
The Socceroos have suffered a 1-0 defeat to World Cup co-hosts Mexico in their penultimate warm-up match before the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Johan Vasquez’s first-half header proved the difference at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, where Australia struggled to contain the world No.15-ranked side during a one-sided opening 45 minutes.
Mexico dominated possession and territory before taking the lead from a corner in the 28th minute, while Mohamed Toure squandered Australia’s best chance of the half when he missed an open goal shortly before the break.
The Socceroos improved significantly after halftime and created more attacking opportunities, but were unable to find an equaliser in front of a crowd of 78,479.
Defender Harry Souttar and veteran attacker Mathew Leckie both made their first starts for Australia since 2024 as coach Tony Popovic continued preparations for the tournament in North America.
Teenage defender Lucas Herrington was among Australia’s standout performers, while Toure and Jordy Bos also impressed in patches despite the defeat.
