Socceroos Name World Cup Squad - Volpato included; Boyle controversial omission
Socceroos manager Tony Popovic has finalized his 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with newcomers Cristian Volpato and Tete Yengi included. Notably, Martin Boyle, who missed the 2022 World Cup through injury, is omitted, while veterans like Mathew Leckie and Mat Ryan secure their places. Five A-League players are selected, though few are expected to start. Exciting forward options under age 22 signal a youthful attack. Popovic praised the depth and hard choices, shifting focus now to preparations for the opening match.
- Socceroos drop 26-player squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Volpato in after shock call-up into camp last week
- Boyle unlucky to miss out after injury cost him 2022 World Cup spot
- Volpato, Toure & Irankunda form a potentially sizzling front three
In a selection bombshell late last week, Cristian Volpato joined the Socceroos' camp in North America and has now been elevated into the final squad, joining striker Tete Yengi as the only two uncapped players.
It's hard luck for Martin Boyle, who missed the 2022 World Cup due to a knee injury sustained on the eve of the tournament.
You can check out the full Socceroos squad in the table below.
| Position | Player | Age | Caps | Goals | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Mathew Ryan (c) | 34 | 104 | 0 | Levante |
| GK | Paul Izzo | 31 | 4 | 0 | Randers |
| GK | Patrick Beach | 22 | 1 | 0 | Melbourne City |
| DF | Aziz Behich | 35 | 83 | 3 | Melbourne City |
| DF | Miloš Degenek | 32 | 56 | 1 | APOEL |
| DF | Harry Souttar | 27 | 37 | 11 | Leicester City |
| DF | Jordan Bos | 23 | 26 | 4 | Feyenoord |
| DF | Cameron Burgess | 30 | 26 | 0 | Swansea City |
| DF | Jason Geria | 33 | 13 | 0 | Albirex Niigata |
| DF | Alessandro Circati | 22 | 12 | 1 | Parma |
| DF | Kai Trewin | 25 | 5 | 0 | New York City FC |
| DF | Jacob Italiano | 24 | 4 | 0 | Grazer AK |
| DF | Lucas Herrington | 18 | 3 | 0 | Colorado Rapids |
| MF | Jackson Irvine | 33 | 81 | 14 | FC St. Pauli |
| MF | Ajdin Hrustic | 29 | 37 | 4 | Heracles Almelo |
| MF | Connor Metcalfe | 26 | 35 | 1 | FC St. Pauli |
| MF | Aiden O'Neill | 27 | 30 | 0 | New York City FC |
| MF | Paul Okon-Engstler | 21 | 5 | 0 | Sydney FC |
| MF | Cammy Devlin | 28 | 4 | 0 | Heart of Midlothian |
| FW | Mathew Leckie | 35 | 79 | 14 | Melbourne City |
| FW | Awer Mabil | 30 | 38 | 10 | Castellón |
| FW | Nestory Irankunda | 20 | 14 | 5 | Watford |
| FW | Mohamed Touré | 22 | 9 | 2 | Norwich City |
| FW | Nishan Velupillay | 25 | 7 | 3 | Melbourne Victory |
| FW | Cristian Volpato | 22 | 0 | 0 | Sassuolo |
| FW | Tete Yengi | 25 | 0 | 0 | Machida Zelvia |
Popovic preferred veteran Mat Leckie and out-of-form Melbourne Victory winger Nishan Velupillay over Boyle, while Awer Mabil has also been included as a wing option.
All up, five A-League players have been selected, including Patrick Beach, Aziz Behich, Mathew Leckie, Paul Okon-Engstler and Velupillay - although it's highly doubtful any will feature in the starting side.
A potential front three of Volpato, Mo Toure and Nestory Irankunda is exciting, especially with all three under the age of 22 and with the potential to lead the line for the next decade.
Jordy Bos and Alessandro Circati put together fantastic seasons in Europe for Feyenoord and Parma respectively and will be amongst the first names on the team sheet. It will be interesting to see if 18-year-old Lucas Herrington will get a start in the centre of defence over Cam Burgess.
Harry Souttar looks to be given the nod after a successful return from injury in last weekend's friendly with Mexico.
Mat Ryan will hold onto his spot in goals, joining Leckie as the only Australians to feature at four World Cups after Tim Cahill and Mark Milligan.
We've put together our preferred (not predicted) starting XI of how we think the Socceroos should line up in the opening game against Turkiye on Sunday June 14 (AEST).
Preferred Socceroos Starting XI: Ryan, Italiano, Circati, Souttar, Bos, Devlin, Irvine, Irankunda, Toure, Volpato
However, it's likely Popovic goes with Aidan O'Neill over Devlin and there's a chance Irankunda comes off the bench in an impact role, with either Mabil or Leckie starting right wing.
“We are delighted to finally announce the 26 players who will represent the Socceroos at the FIFA World Cup 2026," Popovic said in a statement.
“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.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.
“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.
“Our focus now shifts to finalising our preparations for the upcoming friendly against Switzerland and for our World Cup group matches.”
The tournament starts on Friday June 12 (AEST). Check out the full FIFA World Cup 2026 fixtures schedule at the link.
Verdict
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