Article by Mihai Șovei – Published Monday, June 01, 2026, 4:19 p.m. / Updated Monday, June 01, 2026, 4:24 p.m.
Coach Tony Popovic has announced Australia's squad for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The 52-year-old technician is banking on a very young squad with 17 possible debutants at a world tour.
Australia's World Cup squad
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Goalkeepers: Ryan (Levante), Izzo (Randers), Beach (Melbourne City)
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defense: Behich (Melbourne City), Bos (Feynoord), Burgess (Swansea City), Circati (Parma), Degenek (APOEL), Geria (Albirex Niigata), Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Italiano (Grazer), Souttar (Leicester City), Trewin (New York City)
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midfielders: Devlin (Heart of Midlothian), Hrustic (Heracles Almelo), Irvine (St Pauli), Metcalfe (St Pauli), Okon-Englster (Sydney), O'Neill (New York City)
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Strikers: Irankunda (Watford), Leckie (Melbourne City), Mabil (Castellon), Toure (Norwich City), Velupilly (Melbourne City), Volpato (Sassuolo), Yengi (Livingston/Machida Zelvia)
Australia will be making their sixth consecutive World Cup appearance after finishing second in their qualifying group behind Japan. At the edition in Qatar (2022), the “kangaroos” equaled their best result, reaching the round of 16.
Tony Popovic has selected a 26-man squad that combines World Cup experience with a new generation of young talent. 17 players could make their World Cup debuts this summer. The average age is 26.8 years, according to footballaustralia.com.au.
Seasoned players such as Mathew Ryan, Mathew Leckie, Jackson Irvine, Aziz Behich and Milos Degenek provide international experience, while names such as Nestory Irankunda, Cristian Volpato, Patrick Beach and Tete Yengi represent the future of Australian football.
Tough decisions had to be made, but that's the nature of big tournaments.
I would like to thank the players who contributed to our direct qualification for the World Cup, but who are not part of this squad. Their contribution should not be forgotten.
– Tony Popovic, Australia coach
At the North American tournament, Australia will compete in Group D, alongside the United States of America, Paraguay and Turkey.
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June 14, 07:00 – Australia vs Turkey – Vancouver
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June 19, 10 p.m. – USA vs Australia – Seattle
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June 26, 05:00 – Paraguay vs Australia – Vancouver
