With Tony Popovic set to name his 26-man roster on June 1, we break down the Socceroos’ 2026 World Cup squad—from undroppable stars like Mathew Ryan and Nestory Irankunda to the fringe players fighting for one last shot at glory.
The New Era: A Squad Rebuilt for 2026
Four years after their heartbreaking Round of 16 exit to eventual champions Argentina in Qatar, the Socceroos are entering the 2026 World Cup with a radically different look. Under new head coach Tony Popovic, Australia’s squad has undergone a near-complete overhaul, with only a handful of 2022 survivors likely to feature in the opening match against Turkey on June 20.
Popovic, a 2006 World Cup veteran himself, has spent the past month in a Florida training camp, fine-tuning his 26-man roster ahead of the June 1 deadline. With a friendly against Mexico on May 30 serving as the final audition, the pressure is on for players to prove their worth in what promises to be the most competitive selection process in Australian football history.
The Locks: Undroppable Stars
At the top of Popovic’s list is Mathew Ryan, the 34-year-old goalkeeper who remains Australia’s undisputed No. 1. Ryan, who plied his trade in La Liga this season with Levante, is one of only two players from the 2022 starting XI against Argentina expected to retain his spot. The other is Riley McGree, the Middlesbrough midfielder who could cap off a remarkable season by winning promotion to the Premier League in the Championship playoff final this weekend.
Joining them as near-certainties are the new generation of Australian talent:
- Jordy Bos (left-back) – A defensive lynchpin who has become a mainstay in Popovic’s system.
- Alessandro Circati (central defender) – A composed, ball-playing defender who has earned rave reviews in Europe.
- Mohamed Touré (forward) – One of the most exciting young attackers in the squad, capable of changing a game in an instant.
- Nestory Irankunda (forward) – A dynamic winger whose pace and creativity make him a lock for the final 26.
- Cameron Burgess (central defender) – The 30-year-old Swansea stalwart played every minute of the Championship season, proving his durability and leadership.
The Likelies: Proven Performers with a Point to Prove
Several veterans and rising stars find themselves in the “likely” category, though injuries and form could yet derail their World Cup dreams. Jackson Irvine and Harry Souttar, both recovering from injuries, will need to prove their fitness in the coming days. Irvine’s St Pauli teammate, Connor Metcalfe, is another strong candidate, offering versatility in midfield after narrowly missing out on the 2022 squad.
Mathew Leckie, the 35-year-old Melbourne City forward, has defied Father Time with a timely return to fitness. Popovic singled him out for praise after his performance in the A-League elimination final, and his experience—having featured in three previous World Cups—could earn him a fourth tournament appearance. Leckie’s ability to play across the front line makes him a valuable utility option.
Other players in this tier include:
- Aziz Behich (left-back) – A 2022 starter now plying his trade in the A-League, but his experience and leadership keep him in contention.
- Aiden O’Neill (midfielder) – A key figure in Popovic’s midfield plans, though an ankle injury has cast doubt on his availability.
- Kai Trewin and Lucas Herrington (defenders) – Both have impressed in MLS and are likely to be rewarded with a spot.
- Martin Boyle, Awer Mabil, and Ajdin Hrustic (attacking midfielders/forwards) – A trio of experienced campaigners who have done enough to secure their places.
- Cammy Devlin (midfielder) – A standout performer for Hearts in the Scottish Premier League, Devlin has forced his way into the conversation.
- Jacob Italiano (right-back) – Popovic’s preferred option at right-back following Lewis Miller’s injury, Italiano has risen to the occasion in recent matches.
The Bubble: Fighting for the Final Spots
The most hotly contested battles are taking place on the fringes of the squad. Patrick Yazbek, a midfielder based in MLS, was a likely inclusion before suffering a quad injury in early May. His absence opens the door for the likes of Alex Robertson (Cardiff) and Paul Okon-Engstler (Sydney FC), both of whom will be desperate to impress in the final days of camp.
In defense, Kye Rowles—a starter in every match in Qatar—finds himself in an unexpected fight for a spot. After being omitted from Popovic’s initial March squad, Rowles may need to rely on his ability to play at full-back to earn a place. Milos Degenek, another 2022 veteran, faces a similar challenge.
On the right side of defense, Fran Karacic and Jason Geria are the leading contenders to deputize for Italiano. Meanwhile, the competition for the third goalkeeper spot is fierce, with Patrick Beach, Joe Gauci, and Paul Izzo all vying for the two backup roles behind Ryan.
The forward line presents the biggest selection headache. Popovic must choose between:
- Ante Suto and Deni Juric (recent call-ups)
- Mitch Duke (veteran striker)
- A host of A-League players who have spent the past two weeks in camp.
If Touré is deployed as a super-sub, the race for the starting striker role is wide open.
The Long Shots: Dark Horses and Outside Chances
For some players, the dream of a World Cup call-up is fading fast. Garang Kuol, once the darling of Australian football after his breakout performances in 2022, has struggled to replicate that form in Europe. Now playing for Sparta Prague, Kuol’s chances of a late call-up are slim, despite his undeniable talent.
Other long shots include:
- Daniel Bennie (QPR) and Raphael Borges Rodrigues (Wigan) – Young players with potential but limited experience at the highest level.
- Sammy Silvera (Middlesbrough) – A winger who has shown promise but has been sidelined by injury.
- Gianni Stensness (Viking) and Dylan Leonard (Schalke) – Central defenders who are in camp but face an uphill battle to make the final cut.
- Brandon Borrello, Nick D’Agostino, and Anthony Caceres – A-League-based players hoping Popovic’s faith in domestic talent extends to them.
Why This Squad Matters: A New Chapter for Australian Football
The 2026 World Cup represents more than just a tournament for the Socceroos—it’s a statement of intent. With Popovic at the helm, Australia is embracing a new era, one built on youth, pace, and tactical flexibility. The inclusion of players like Irankunda and Touré signals a shift toward a more dynamic, attacking style of play, while the presence of veterans like Ryan and Leckie ensures a steady hand in high-pressure moments.
The squad’s composition also reflects the growing influence of MLS as a proving ground for Australian talent. Players like Trewin, Herrington, and Yazbek have used the league as a springboard to international recognition, a trend that is likely to continue as more Australians seek opportunities abroad [The Guardian].
For fans, the excitement lies in the unknown. This is a squad with the potential to surprise, a mix of established stars and rising talents who could announce themselves on the world stage. Whether it’s Irankunda dazzling on the wing, McGree pulling the strings in midfield, or Ryan making a crucial save in a penalty shootout, the 2026 World Cup could be the moment Australian football takes its next big leap.
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