"So unlucky": Four miss out as defector Volpato gets Socceroos nod

Australian head coach Tony Popovic has finalised his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Socceroos have named uncapped Cristian Volpato in the roster that will take on Turkey, host nation USA and Paraguay in Group D.

Five Aussie-based players - Patrick Beach, Aziz Behich, Mathew Leckie, Paul Okon-Engstler and Nishan Velupillay - have been included in a squad that has 17 first-time World Cup inclusions.

Mat Ryan and Mathew Leckie are off to their fourth World Cup, equalling Tim Cahill and Mark Milligan.

The likes of Martin Boyle (the unluckiest), Joe Gauci, Kye Rowles and Brandon Borrello were overlooked.

Reacting to the squad, SEN's Football expert Adam Peacock said: "Locked and loaded for the team to go and represent, but there’s four very unlucky individuals; Joe Gauci is the keeper to miss out.

"Kye Rowles is probably a victim of the fact Lucas Herrington the teen has made such huge strides in the last 12 months and it’s clear Popovic bloody rates him.

"As for the other two, Martin Boyle is so unlucky, he missed out through injury in 2022, this time Cristian Volpato decides he wants to play for Australia and stylistically he plays the role Boyle might have. Unfortunately Boyle was seen as not the guy to do that.

"Brandon Borrello, he is unlucky too but he is seen as a No 9 player and we have imposing threats in that area.

"Congrats to Mat Ryan what an achievement going to a fourth World Cup like his mate Lecki.

"In the end Popovic has gone for balance; that’s how he’s landed on this group. Let’s see if it works."

Australia will play Switzerland in their final warm-up match this Sunday at 5am AEST before their campaign gets started in Vancouver.

On the squad, Popovic said: “We are delighted to finally announce the 26 players who will represent the Socceroos at the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

“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.”

Socceroos World Cup squad

Goalkeepers
Patrick BEACH (Melbourne City)
Paul IZZO (Randers FC)
Mathew RYAN (Levante UD)

Defenders
Aziz BEHICH (Melbourne City)
Jordan BOS (Feyenoord)
Cameron BURGESS (Swansea City)
Alessandro CIRCATI (Parma)
Milos DEGENEK (Apoel FC)
Jason GERIA (Albirex Niigata)
Lucas HERRINGTON (Colorado Rapids)
Jacob ITALIANO (Grazer AK)
Harry SOUTTAR (Leicester City)
Kai TREWIN (New York City)

Midfielders
Cameron DEVLIN (Hearts)
Ajdin HRUSTIC (Heracles Almelo)
Jackson IRVINE (St Pauli)
Connor METCALFE (St Pauli)
Paul OKON‑ENGSTLER (Sydney FC)
Aiden O’NEILL (New York City)

Forwards
Nestory IRANKUNDA (Watford)
Mathew LECKIE (Melbourne City)
Awer MABIL (CD Castellón)
Mohamed TOURE (Norwich City)
Nishan VELUPILLAY (Melbourne Victory)
Cristian VOLPATO (Sassuolo)
Tete YENGI (Machida Zelvia)

Australia's key World Cup dates

June 6: Friendly - Switzerland v Australia, Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego

June 13: FIFA World Cup 2026™ Group D - Australia v Türkiye, BC Place, Vancouver (2:00pm AEST)

June 19: FIFA World Cup 2026™ Group D - USA v Australia, Seattle Stadium, Seattle (5:00am AEST)

June 25: FIFA World Cup 2026™ Group D - Paraguay v Australia, San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Santa Clara (12:00pm AEST)