Australia Unveil 26-Man World Cup Squad – Green and Gold News Summary:

- Tony Popovic names 26-man Socceroos squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with 17 potential tournament debutants.

- Italy convert Cristian Volpato and uncapped striker Tete Yengi headline a bold selection call.

- Skipper Mat Ryan and Mathew Leckie set to equal Cahill and Milligan's record of four men's World Cups.

Volpato's Switch Rewarded in Australia's 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad

In a selection that's already lighting up the group chats, Sassuolo playmaker Cristian Volpato has landed a spot in Australia's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad before he's even pulled on the green and gold. 

The 22-year-old attacker only switched allegiance from Italy days ago, arriving in camp on Saturday morning (local time) — too late to feature in that evening's 1-0 friendly defeat to Mexico.

It's a remarkable about-face from the playmaker, who knocked back Graham Arnold's pitch to join Australia's 2022 World Cup squad and as recently as March was holding out for a senior Italy call-up. Popovic clearly isn't one to hold a grudge.

Joining Volpato in the uncapped club is 25-year-old striker Tete Yengi, younger brother of fellow Socceroo Kusini Yengi, who was named despite not featuring against Mexico. 

All up, 17 players in the squad could make their World Cup debut in 2026, including 18-year-old defender Lucas Herrington.

Veterans Ryan and Leckie Chase History

At the other end of the experience scale, skipper Mat Ryan and veteran Mathew Leckie are bound for their fourth World Cup — a feat that would see them draw level with Tim Cahill and Mark Milligan as the only Australian men to reach four tournaments. 

Towering defender Harry Souttar also made the cut after returning to the national set-up against Mexico following an absence dating back to 2024.

"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. 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."

The Heartbreak List

For every selection there's a snub, and this one stings. Veteran winger Martin Boyle — who missed Qatar 2022 through injury — has again fallen agonisingly short of a World Cup. 

Defender Kye Rowles, a starter throughout the 2022 campaign, has been axed, along with forward Brandon Borrello and goalkeeper Joe Gauci.

"I'd like to acknowledge the players who contributed to our direct World Cup qualification but are not part of this squad," Popovic said. "Their contribution should not be forgotten."

What's Next for Australia

Australia's preparations ramp up with a friendly against Switzerland in San Diego on Saturday before the real business begins. 

Popovic's side have been handed a spicy FIFA World Cup group stage assignment, with fixtures against Türkiye, the United States and Paraguay standing between the Socceroos and a place in the Round of 16.

It's a group with no easy night out — co-hosts the USA will have the home crowd roaring, Türkiye bring European pedigree, and Paraguay are never a soft touch on the big stage.

With 17 potential debutants in the mix and a wildcard like Volpato to unleash, Popovic's squad is equal parts gamble and gut feel. The knockout stage dream starts now.

Australia’s 2026 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**

*World Cup debut.

**Uncapped.