Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Cristian Volpato has earned an immediate reward for switching allegiance from Italy to Australia after being named in the Socceroos’ 26 player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Sassuolo playmaker headlines Tony Popovic’s selections alongside uncapped striker Tete Yengi as Australia finalised its squad ahead of the tournament and upcoming preparations in the United States.
Volpato’s selection is one of the most notable decisions after the 22 year old completed his switch to Australia only days earlier.
Despite not yet making his senior Socceroos debut, Popovic included the attacking midfielder in a squad containing significant youth alongside experienced veterans.
“A range of factors has gone into selecting this final World Cup squad,” Popovic said.
“Some difficult decisions had to be made. That’s the nature of major tournaments.”
Volpato headlines new generation of Socceroos
Volpato is among 15 players selected who could potentially make their World Cup debuts during the tournament.
The former Italy youth international only arrived in camp shortly before Australia’s recent defeat against Mexico and did not feature in that match.
His selection completes a dramatic turnaround after previously declining an invitation to join Australia’s 2022 World Cup squad and later expressing hope of representing Italy at senior level.
Joining Volpato among the uncapped selections is 25 year old striker Tete Yengi.
Yengi also did not feature against Mexico but impressed sufficiently during preparations to secure a place in the final group.
Eighteen year old defender Lucas Herrington is another notable inclusion as Popovic continues to integrate younger players into the national setup.
Ryan and Leckie reach rare World Cup milestone
While several players prepare for their first World Cup experience, two veterans will make history.
Captain Mat Ryan and attacker Mathew Leckie have both been selected for their fourth FIFA World Cup.
Their inclusion means they will join Tim Cahill and Mark Milligan as the only Australian men’s players to appear at four World Cups.
Leckie and defender Harry Souttar both returned recently against Mexico after long absences from international football dating back to 2024.
The experienced core remains important as Australia prepares for another demanding group stage campaign.
“Our focus now shifts to finalising our preparations for the upcoming friendly against Switzerland and for our World Cup group matches,” Popovic said.
Several familiar names miss out
The announcement also brought disappointment for several established Socceroos players.
Veteran winger Martin Boyle missed selection after again falling short of reaching a World Cup squad.
Boyle was unavailable before the 2022 tournament due to injury and now misses another opportunity.
Defender Kye Rowles also suffered a major setback.
Rowles started regularly during Australia’s campaign in Qatar but was excluded from the final 26 player group.
Forward Brandon Borrello and goalkeeper Joe Gauci were also omitted.
Popovic acknowledged those who helped secure qualification despite missing out.
“I’d like to acknowledge the players who contributed to our direct World Cup qualification but are not part of this squad,” he said.
“Their contribution should not be forgotten.”
Australia prepares for difficult group stage
The Socceroos will continue preparations with a friendly against Switzerland in San Diego before beginning World Cup action.
Australia’s group stage opponents are Türkiye, the United States and Paraguay.
The squad combines experienced international players with emerging talent as Popovic looks to guide Australia through another major tournament campaign.
With a large portion of the squad potentially appearing at their first World Cup, attention will now turn toward building chemistry before the tournament begins.
Socceroos 2026 FIFA World Cup squad
Patrick Beach
Aziz Behich
Jordan Bos
Cameron Burgess
Alessandro Circati
Milos Degenek
Cameron Devlin
Jason Geria
Lucas Herrington
Ajdin Hrustic
Nestory Irankunda
Jackson Irvine
Jacob Italiano
Paul Izzo
Mathew Leckie
Awer Mabil
Connor Metcalfe
Aiden O'Neill
Paul Okon Engstler
Mat Ryan
Harry Souttar
Mohamed Toure
Kai Trewin
Nishan Velupillay
Cristian Volpato
Tete Yengi
