Socceroos’ World Cup squad revealed as Tony Popovic rolls dice with two uncapped strikers

The Socceroos have named two uncapped attackers in their World Cup squad for this month’s World Cup, as coach Tony Popovic rolls the dice in a bid to find an attacking spark.

Winger Cristian Volpato, the former Italy youth international, has been rushed into the squad after the paperwork allowing his change of allegiance was only completed in the past week. Towering striker Tete Yengi has also won a place after a strong year with Japanese club Machida Zelvia.

Coach Tony Popovic said selecting 26 players was not easy. “A range of factors has gone into selecting this final World Cup squad. Some difficult decisions had to be made – that’s the nature of major tournaments,” Popovic said. “But it’s also a credit to all the players involved over the past few weeks who worked extremely hard during an extended and challenging pre-camp.

Popovic had to cut four players from his training squad to meet the 26-player limit. The unfortunate four are goalkeeper Joe Gauci, defender Kye Rowles and forwards Brandon Borrello and Martin Boyle.

The omission of Boyle compounds the Socceroos heartbreak for the Scottish-born attacker, who missed the 2022 World Cup through injury. Rowles was another who was unfortunate in selection. The 27-year-old played every match in Qatar four years ago alongside Harry Souttar in defence.

“I’d like to acknowledge the players who contributed to our direct World Cup qualification but are not part of this squad. Their contribution should not be forgotten,” Popovic said.

The three omitted outfielders may still be called upon before the first game, as Fifa regulations allow replacing an injured player up until 24 hours before the first match of the tournament. Injured goalkeepers may be replaced at any time during the tournament.

Selection in a second World Cup caps an unlikely comeback for Souttar, who suffered an achilles injury in December 2024 and has only just returned to the field. The 27-year-old provides a physical presence in both penalty areas, highlighted by his improbable international goalscoring rate of better than one every four matches. He was a stand-out during the friendly against Mexico on Sunday.

Even more improbable is the rise of Lucas Herrington – who played alongside Souttar against Mexico – who offers the Socceroos another towering central defender. The 18-year-old was playing for Brisbane Roar a year ago, but a move to MLS side Colorado has seen him prove his ability this year against the likes of Leo Messi and Son Heung-min. Assuming he does receive match minutes, Herrington won’t quite break the record of the youngest Australian to play at a World Cup - Garang Kuol was just 18 years and 79 days old in Qatar. But he is part of a young core that provides a sense of excitement in Australian football.

The group includes striker Mo Toure and forward Nestory Irankinda, defender Alessandro Circati and fullback Jordy Bos. All are 23 or under, and all have proven themselves effective already in some of Europe’s toughest leagues. Their presence is balanced by veterans Mathew Leckie and Maty Ryan, Jackson Irvine and Aziz Behich.

The A-League Men contingent is made up of Behich, Paul Okon-Engstler, Nishan Velupillay, Patrick Beach and Mathew Leckie. Okon-Engstler – son of assistant coach and former Socceroo Paul Okon – is an up-and-coming 21-year-old who has had a taste of European football with Benfica and is likely to attract more interest if he impresses in North America.

Beach and Velupillay are also likely to have the chance to move overseas, though Leckie is at the other end of the spectrum. Aged 35 and with a long career in Europe behind him, he spent much of the past two years out injured. Yet he has stormed back into calculations only in recent weeks and started the match against Mexico.

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)