Tony Popovic has named his final 26-man Socceroos World Cup squad, and the biggest call is the arrival of two uncapped attackers, Cristian Volpato and Tete Yengi. Four players were left out to bring the group down to the tournament limit, with Joe Gauci, Kye Rowles, Brandon Borrello and Martin Boyle missing from the cut.
It matters now because the squad has to be locked in for this month’s World Cup, and Popovic has used the last days of selection to change the shape of his attack. Volpato was rushed in after paperwork allowing his change of allegiance was completed in the past week, while Yengi earned his place after a strong year with Japanese club Machida Zelvia. For Popovic, the decision was not simply about filling spots. “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,” he said.
Volpato’s inclusion gives Australia another forward option at a time when the coach is clearly leaning into youth and flexibility. The squad also features Mo Touré, Nestory Irankunda, Alessandro Circati and Jordy Bos, all 23 or under, alongside more established figures such as Mathew Leckie, Maty Ryan, Jackson Irvine and Aziz Behich. That blend suggests Popovic wanted pace and upside around the core of players who have carried Australia into the tournament.
The omissions carry more than the usual selection pain. Boyle missed the 2022 World Cup through injury, and his absence again will sting after he had been in the current training squad. Rowles, meanwhile, had played every match in Qatar four years ago alongside Harry Souttar in defence, which underlines how hard the final cut was for Popovic. He said the players who worked through the extended pre-camp deserved credit, and he also acknowledged those who helped secure direct qualification but will not be at the tournament.
There is still one narrow escape hatch. Fifa rules allow an injured player to be replaced up until 24 hours before the first match, and injured goalkeepers can be changed at any point during the tournament. For the outfield players who missed out, that leaves a slim chance, but the squad Popovic has named is otherwise the one Australia will take into the World Cup unless the next few days force his hand.
