Tony Popovic's Official Australia Squad For The 2026 FIFA World Cup

The Socceroos head to the World Cup with a blend of experience and youth, led by Mathew Ryan and a new generation eager to make its mark.

Australia bets on a new generation

Australia has officially confirmed the squad that will represent the nation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Socceroos hope to continue their recent progress and once again compete against the world's top football nations.

Head coach Tony Popovic has selected a 26-man roster that combines World Cup experience with an exciting new generation of talent. In fact, 17 players are set to make their World Cup debut this summer.

Australia arrives in North America full of confidence after securing direct qualification, with a squad featuring players from leagues across Europe, the United States, Japan, and Australia, highlighting the global growth of Australian football.

FIFA World Cup

Australia at the FIFA World Cup 2026

Australia's official squad for the 2026 World Cup

Goalkeepers

Patrick Beach — Melbourne City
Paul Izzo — Randers FC
Mathew Ryan — Levante UD

Defenders

Aziz Behich — Melbourne City
Jordon Bos — Feyenoord
Cameron Burgess — Swansea City
Alessandro Circati — Parma Calcio 1913
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 FC

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 FC

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

Head Coach

Tony Popovic

Player to watch

The biggest leader of this Australian squad remains Mathew Ryan, the team's captain and one of the most important figures in modern Socceroos history.

The Levante UD goalkeeper will appear in his fourth World Cup, tying the Australian record previously held by legends Tim Cahill and Mark Milligan. His leadership, experience, and ability to perform under pressure will be vital to Australia's ambitions.

At 34 years old, Ryan continues to be one of the most respected voices in the dressing room and the player tasked with guiding a generation eager to leave its mark on the world's biggest stage.

Matthew Ryan, Australia National Team Player

Popovic blends experience with youth

One of the most interesting aspects of this squad is the balance between established veterans and emerging talents.

Experienced players such as Mathew Ryan, Mathew Leckie, Jackson Irvine, Aziz Behich, and Milos Degenek provide leadership and international pedigree, while names like Nestory Irankunda, Cristian Volpato, Patrick Beach, and Tete Yengi represent the future of Australian football.

Tony Popovic acknowledged that several selection decisions were difficult due to the quality shown throughout the qualification process, but believes this group gives Australia its best chance to compete at the highest level.

Everything you need to know about Australia at the World Cup

Australia aims to advance from the group stage

The Socceroos will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on June 13 against Turkey in Vancouver.

Australia hopes to once again become one of the tournament's surprise packages, relying on a squad with more international experience than previous editions and a group of young players hungry to prove themselves on the global stage.

With Mathew Ryan leading the way and a roster filled with players competing in top leagues around the world, Australia believes it has the tools necessary to challenge strong opponents and fight for a place in the knockout rounds.