Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
The Socceroos World Cup squad has been named by Tony Popovic, with Australia taking a youthful and bold group to North America for a difficult Group D campaign.
Popovic announced his 26-player squad on Monday, backing rising players such as Cristian Volpato, Tete Yengi, Nestory Irankunda and Alessandro Circati alongside senior figures Mat Ryan, Jackson Irvine, Harry Souttar and Mat Leckie.
The selection comes during a busy World Cup build-up, with Colombia World Cup roster 2026 confirmed as Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez lead experienced squad also drawing attention before the tournament.
Popovic backs young Socceroos
Popovic said the squad should give Australian supporters reason to believe.
“It should be a very exciting group for the Australian public,” Popovic said.
The inclusion of uncapped attackers Volpato and Yengi showed a more daring side to Popovic’s selection thinking.
Circati brings Serie A pedigree in defence, while Irankunda offers pace and power in attack.
Teenage defender Lucas Herrington has also earned trust quickly, with Popovic praising his rise.
“It is quite special at 18 to be doing what he’s doing,” the Socceroos coach said.
Australia mix promise with experience
Paul Okon-Engstler is another young player Popovic believes has more to give.
“He hasn’t reached, I believe, half of what he could reach,” Popovic said.
“His improvement over 12 months has been significant.”
Jordy Bos shapes as one of Australia’s most important players, with the 23-year-old well suited to Popovic’s wingback system.
Popovic said his younger players are still learning how to deal with pressure.
“I’d like them to be more fearless than what they are, because sometimes that comes with experience, that when the pressure’s on, they go in their shell a little bit,” he said.
Veterans remain key for Australia
Captain Ryan, Irvine, Souttar and Leckie give Australia a proven core for the World Cup stage.
Leckie, who scored the famous winner against Denmark in Qatar, has fought back from injury to make the squad.
Fans can follow official team updates through the Socceroos website.
“I don’t need anyone to dampen their expectation,” Popovic said.
“They should believe, they should love to see these boys play and have the mix of the experience and the youngsters.”