Socceroos' Bold World Cup Selection Features Uncapped Strikers and Young Talents
The Socceroos have unveiled their World Cup squad, featuring two uncapped attackers as coach Tony Popovic takes a gamble to ignite the team's offense. Notable inclusions are Cristian Volpato, a winger and former Italy youth international, and towering striker Tete Yengi, both of whom have shown promise ahead of the tournament. Popovic faced tough decisions in selecting the final 26 players. He stated, "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." Four players were cut from the training squad: Joe Gauci, Kye Rowles, Brandon Borrello, and Martin Boyle. Boyle's omission is particularly heartbreaking as he also missed the 2022 World Cup due to injury. The squad still has room for adjustments; FIFA regulations permit the replacement of injured players up to 24 hours before the first match. Among the returning players is Harry Souttar, who has made a remarkable recovery from an achilles injury sustained in December 2024. He has proven effective in recent matches, including a standout performance against Mexico. Excitement surrounds Lucas Herrington, an 18-year-old defender who has rapidly risen from playing for Brisbane Roar to facing international stars in the MLS. The squad also features several young talents under the age of 23, including Mo Toure, Nestory Irankinda, and Alessandro Circati, balancing youth with experience from veterans like Mathew Leckie and Maty Ryan. The squad comprises: Goalkeepers: Patrick Beach, Paul Izzo, Mat Ryan Defenders: Aziz Behich, Jordan Bos, Cameron Burgess, Alessandro Circati, Milos Degenek, Jason Geria, Lucas Herrington, Jacob Italiano, Harry Souttar, Kai Trewin Midfielders: Cameron Devlin, Jackson Irvine, Mathew Leckie, Connor Metcalfe, Aiden O’Neill, Paul Okon-Engstler Attackers: Ajdin Hrustic, Nestory Irankunda, Awer Mabil, Mohamed Touré, Nishan Velupillay, Cristian Volpato, Tete Yengi As the World Cup approaches, the blend of youth and experience in the Socceroos squad promises an exciting tournament ahead.
Source: The Guardian Sport - 2026-05-31