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Tony Popovic faces some of the toughest selection decisions in Socceroos history ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With a 26-man squad to name and the tournament just weeks away, Australia's preparation has been disrupted by key injuries, fierce position battles, and the emergence of some exciting new faces demanding places.
đź“Ł UPDATE — Train-On Squad Confirmed: Tony Popovic has now named the official 18-player train-on squad for the World Cup Sarasota camp, including Harry Souttar’s return. Read our follow-up: Socceroos Train-On Squad 2026 — Who’s In, Who’s a Bolter, Who’s Still in Contention. The 26-man final squad is due to FIFA by 1 June.
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From a veteran goalkeeper closing in on 100 caps to a 19-year-old Bayern Munich winger who could be the most exciting Australian footballer in a generation, the Socceroos squad for World Cup 2026 is one of the most compelling in the nation’s history. This guide covers the full predicted squad, key selection battles, and the players to watch when Australia kick off Group D against TĂĽrkiye on 13 June in Vancouver. For the full fixtures breakdown, visit the Socceroos hub.
When Will the Socceroos World Cup Squad Be Announced?
The official 26-man Socceroos World Cup squad is expected to be announced in late May or early June 2026. The timing is tied to Australia’s final preparation window, which centres on a training camp in Florida and the last friendly before the tournament, Mexico vs Australia, on 30 May 2026.
Popovic has used every available international window since his appointment in late 2024 to assess his options, and the March 2026 window provided important data points. Australia beat Cameroon 1-0 on 27 March (Jordan Bos with the winner in the 85th minute) and then hammered Curaçao 5-1 on 31 March, a result that gave Popovic licence to blood some fringe candidates and test combinations.
The May camp in Florida serves as the final audition. Players on the edge of Popovic’s thinking will need to perform in training and potentially in the Mexico game to secure their spot. Given the injury situations around Lewis Miller and Harry Souttar, there are likely to be one or two surprise inclusions in the final 26.
FIFA’s official squad submission deadline falls ahead of the opening match, so the announcement date will be determined once Football Australia confirms its schedule. Based on previous World Cup cycles, expect the squad to be made public approximately three weeks before Australia’s first group match on 13 June.
Socceroos Predicted World Cup Squad 2026
The table below is our predicted 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. This is not the official selection. Ages and cap counts are approximate and reflect the position as of April 2026. Clubs are current at time of writing.
| Position | Player | Club | Age | Caps (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Mat Ryan | AS Roma | ~34 | ~90 |
| GK | Paul Izzo | Randers FC | ~31 | ~10 |
| GK | Joe Gauci | Port Vale | ~23 | ~5 |
| DEF | Alessandro Circati | Parma | ~23 | ~15 |
| DEF | Cameron Burgess | Swansea City | ~29 | ~10 |
| DEF | Kye Rowles | Hearts | ~27 | ~25 |
| DEF | Jason Geria | Melbourne Victory | ~32 | ~10 |
| DEF | Jacob Italiano | Leeds United | ~23 | ~10 |
| DEF | Jordan Bos | Stade Brestois | ~24 | ~15 |
| DEF | Lucas Herrington | Celtic | ~18 | ~2 |
| DEF | Aziz Behich | Dundee United | ~33 | ~60 |
| MID | Jackson Irvine (C) | St Pauli | ~33 | ~65 |
| MID | Aiden O’Neill | Standard Liège | ~27 | ~20 |
| MID | Connor Metcalfe | St Pauli | ~25 | ~15 |
| MID | Riley McGree | Middlesbrough | ~27 | ~20 |
| MID | Ryan Teague | Luton Town | ~23 | ~10 |
| MID | Cammy Devlin | Hearts | ~26 | ~15 |
| MID | Keanu Baccus | Mansfield Town | ~27 | ~10 |
| FWD | Deni Juric | Union Berlin | ~24 | ~10 |
| FWD | Nestory Irankunda | Bayern Munich | ~19 | ~5 |
| FWD | Martin Boyle | Hibernian | ~33 | ~25 |
| FWD | Mitchell Duke | Machida Zelvia | ~35 | ~30 |
| FWD | Nishan Velupillay | Melbourne City | ~21 | ~5 |
| FWD | Awer Mabil | Grasshoppers | ~28 | ~25 |
| FWD | Tete Yengi | Stade de Reims | ~25 | ~5 |
| FWD | Craig Goodwin | Al Wehda | ~32 | ~15 |
Note: This is a predicted squad only, not the official selection. Ages, cap counts, and club details are approximate as of April 2026 and may change before the official announcement.
Key Selection Battles
Popovic has a largely settled squad in his head, but a handful of positions remain genuinely open heading into the May camp. Here are the battles that will shape Australia’s final 26.
Right Wingback Crisis
The most significant injury blow of Australia’s World Cup build-up has been Lewis Miller’s ruptured Achilles. The Hibernian wingback was first choice on the right side under Popovic and was expected to start every group stage match. Without him, Jacob Italiano of Leeds United has stepped into the role and done enough to suggest he can hold down the starting spot. At 23 and playing Championship football in England, Italiano brings athleticism and a willingness to get forward, but the depth behind him is thin. Jordan Bos can play across both flanks and will provide cover, though he is stronger on the left. Popovic may opt to carry a third option capable of playing right wingback, making one of the 26 spots highly competitive among utility defenders.
Centre-Back Without Souttar
Harry Souttar’s absence has been a recurring theme for Australia in recent years. The Stoke City centre-back, who was one of the best performers at the 2022 World Cup, is still working through an Achilles injury and is likely to miss the tournament entirely. That opens the door for Popovic to rely on Alessandro Circati and Cameron Burgess as the first-choice pairing, with Kye Rowles providing experienced depth and 18-year-old Lucas Herrington as the wildcard option. Herrington earned his first senior cap in March 2026 and at Celtic has already been exposed to high-level football. His inclusion in the 26 would be a bold call, but Popovic has not shied away from selecting young players when he believes they are ready.
Third Goalkeeper
Mat Ryan is the undisputed number one, and Paul Izzo is the established backup. The fight for the third goalkeeper spot sits between Joe Gauci and Danny Vukovic (if fit). Gauci, at Port Vale in League Two, is the younger and potentially longer-term option, and he has pulled ahead in Popovic’s thinking based on camp performances and attitude. The third goalkeeper rarely sees action in a tournament unless something goes wrong, but selection still matters for squad balance and morale.
The Final Attacking Spots
Popovic carries eight forwards in this predicted squad, and each one has a case for inclusion. Deni Juric is the first-choice striker, with Mitchell Duke offering experienced target-man cover and set-piece presence. Martin Boyle brings pace off the bench, Nestory Irankunda is non-negotiable, and Craig Goodwin’s dead-ball delivery is a genuine weapon at World Cup level. The real debate is among Awer Mabil, Tete Yengi, and Nishan Velupillay for the final one or two spots. Mabil’s experience and big-game mentality give him an edge in the betting, but his form at Grasshoppers has been inconsistent. Yengi’s physicality and ability to hold the ball offers something different, while Velupillay’s pace and A-League form have caught the eye of Popovic’s scouts.
Midfield Balance
The midfield looks well-stocked on paper, but there are question marks. Cammy Devlin has an injury cloud hanging over him heading into the May camp, and if he is not fit, it opens a spot for someone like Tom Rogic, if the veteran is in any kind of shape. Rogic’s potential inclusion is the biggest “what if” in Australian football right now. A fit, motivated Rogic could be a genuine match-winner at international level, but Popovic is unlikely to gamble on fitness. Riley McGree’s durability is another concern given his injury history. Keanu Baccus and Ryan Teague both give Popovic different options and are likely safe in the 26.
Socceroos Predicted Starting XI
Popovic has primarily used a 3-4-2-1 system with the Socceroos, built around a solid defensive block, high-energy wingbacks, and creative support around a physical striker. Below is our predicted starting XI for the Group D opener against TĂĽrkiye on 13 June in Vancouver.
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Mat Ryan | AS Roma |
| CB | Alessandro Circati | Parma |
| CB | Cameron Burgess | Swansea City |
| CB | Kye Rowles | Hearts |
| RWB | Jacob Italiano | Leeds United |
| CM | Jackson Irvine (C) | St Pauli |
| CM | Aiden O’Neill | Standard Liège |
| LWB | Jordan Bos | Stade Brestois |
| AM | Riley McGree | Middlesbrough |
| AM | Nestory Irankunda | Bayern Munich |
| ST | Deni Juric | Union Berlin |
Formation: 3-4-2-1. Popovic may tweak this depending on the specific threat posed by TĂĽrkiye and the availability of players coming through the May camp. The wingback roles are crucial to how Australia attacks and defends, with Italiano and Bos expected to cover enormous ground on both sides.
Key Players to Watch
Nestory Irankunda
The most exciting player in Australian football right now, possibly ever. Irankunda is 19 years old, plays for Bayern Munich, and has the kind of raw ability that has Australian fans genuinely buzzing ahead of the World Cup. He is direct, quick, comfortable with either foot, and capable of producing moments of magic against the best defenders in the world. The World Cup comes at a perfect time for Irankunda, who will have just turned 19 and will be playing on the biggest stage for the first time. Expect defenders to be very worried about him. Socceroos fans should be very excited.
Jackson Irvine
The captain, leader, and emotional heartbeat of this team. Irvine has been one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga at St Pauli, combining defensive discipline with the ability to carry the ball and contribute goals. He is the player Australia cannot afford to lose to injury or suspension, and Popovic will build a lot of the tactical structure around his energy and work rate. At 33, this will almost certainly be Irvine’s last World Cup, and you get the sense that he will give absolutely everything to ensure Australia make the most of it.
Alessandro Circati
The young Parma centre-back has emerged as Australia’s most reliable defender since earning his first senior caps, and under Popovic he has become the clear first-choice option at the back. Circati is technically excellent for a centre-back, comfortable with the ball at his feet in a back three, and reads the game well beyond his years. At 23, he is one of the few players who will still be in their prime at the 2030 World Cup, and the experience of playing in a 48-team tournament against the likes of the USA and Turkey will only accelerate his development.
Mat Ryan
Approaching 100 caps for his country, Mat Ryan remains Australia’s best goalkeeper and the calming presence at the back that Popovic’s side relies on. Ryan has had an interesting career journey via Brighton, Real Sociedad, Arsenal, and now AS Roma, and at 34 he brings a wealth of big-game experience. His distribution is important in Popovic’s build-up play, and his shot-stopping instincts have not diminished with age. If Australia are to progress from Group D, Ryan will need to produce at least one or two crucial saves in key moments, which is exactly the kind of situation he has spent his career preparing for.
Socceroos World Cup Record
Australia are making their sixth appearance at the FIFA World Cup in 2026, a testament to how far football has come in this country since the game was largely overshadowed by rugby and cricket at international level.
The Socceroos first qualified in 1974, when they took part in the West Germany World Cup as part of the Asian Football Confederation. They then had a long wait before returning to the tournament, missing out for 32 years before their dramatic qualification campaign in 2006 under Guus Hiddink. That tournament remains the high point of Australian World Cup history. Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill, and Mark Schwarzer led the Socceroos through a memorable run that included a last-gasp draw against Croatia and a round of 16 defeat to Italy, who went on to win the whole tournament. The score was 1-0 to Italy, settled by a controversial penalty in the dying minutes.
After that peak, Australia’s World Cup record has been more modest. They were eliminated in the group stage in 2010 and 2014, and in 2018 came close to progress before falling short. The 2022 tournament in Qatar was the most recent high point before 2026, as Graham Arnold’s side again reached the Round of 16, defeating Denmark in the group stage and Tunisia in a playoff before losing to Argentina, the eventual champions, in the knockout rounds. Substitute Lionel Messi scored in that match, which tells you something about the level Australia were competing at.
| Year | Host | Result | Coach |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | West Germany | Group Stage | Rale Rasic |
| 2006 | Germany | Round of 16 | Guus Hiddink |
| 2010 | South Africa | Group Stage | Pim Verbeek |
| 2014 | Brazil | Group Stage | Ange Postecoglou |
| 2018 | Russia | Group Stage | Bert van Marwijk |
| 2022 | Qatar | Round of 16 | Graham Arnold |
| 2026 | USA / Canada / Mexico | TBC | Tony Popovic |
Australia’s best World Cup result remains the Round of 16, achieved twice (2006 and 2022). With the expanded 48-team format in 2026 offering a more navigable path through the group stage, and a squad that is arguably the strongest Australia has fielded in terms of collective club quality, there is genuine reason to believe the 2026 edition could match or exceed those performances.
Socceroos World Cup Betting
If you are looking to bet on the Socceroos at the 2026 World Cup, Australian bookmakers will have a full range of markets available across all three group stage matches and any potential knockout ties. The best value is usually found on:
- Match result markets for the group stage games (vs TĂĽrkiye, USA, Paraguay)
- First goalscorer markets, especially for Irankunda and Irvine at good prices
- Same game multi options combining match result, goalscorer, and total goals markets
- Futures markets for Australia to progress from Group D or reach the Round of 16
For a full comparison of the best Australian bookmakers for soccer betting, visit our soccer betting sites Australia page.
Socceroos Squad FAQs
When will the Socceroos World Cup squad be announced?
The official 26-man Socceroos World Cup squad is expected to be announced in late May 2026, following the final preparation camp in Florida and the Mexico friendly on 30 May. Tony Popovic has until the FIFA squad submission deadline, which falls a few weeks before Australia’s opening match against TĂĽrkiye on 13 June, to finalise his selection.
How many players are in a World Cup squad?
Each nation takes a 26-player squad to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This is the same squad size used at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, an increase from the 23-player squads used at previous editions. The expanded squad size gives coaches more flexibility to include depth options and cover for injuries during the tournament.
Who is the Socceroos captain?
Jackson Irvine is the Socceroos captain. The St Pauli midfielder has been one of the most consistent performers for Australia over the past several years and brings leadership, experience, and Bundesliga-tested quality to the role. He has accumulated more than 60 international caps and is the clear leader of Tony Popovic’s squad.
Who is the Socceroos coach?
Tony Popovic has been the Socceroos head coach since October 2024, when he replaced Graham Arnold following the end of Australia’s 2022-23 AFC qualification cycle. Popovic has an extensive coaching background in Australia and abroad, having managed Western Sydney Wanderers (including their AFC Champions League triumph), Perth Glory, Partizan Belgrade, and several other clubs. He is widely respected as a tactician and has quickly made his mark on the Socceroos with a clear playing identity and strong results in the lead-up to the 2026 tournament.
Looking for the best bookmakers to bet on the Socceroos?
At BettingPro.com.au, we provide up-to-date information on the best Australian soccer betting sites for the 2026 World Cup and beyond. Compare offers, check odds, and get the insights you need to bet smarter on the Socceroos.
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