<p>Socceroos head coach Tony Popovic has selected seven uncapped players in Australia's 25-man squad for the upcoming Soccer Ashes series against New Zealand.</p> <p>Starting this Friday at Canberra’s GIO Stadium, the Socceroos will take on the All Whites in two friendlies, with the second of the two to be played in New Zealand.</p> <p>With one eye on the 2026 World Cup, these two matches will give Popovich a good idea who he wants to take with him to the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as who should play where.</p> <p>This is also arguably the most exciting group of players the Socceroos have had at their disposal since 2006, with plenty of players once again plying their trade and performing, in Europe.</p> <p>Did someone say Golden Generation 2.0? For the latest analysis, team news, odds, and more, check out our Socceroos vs New Zealand preview below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Socceroos vs New Zealand Squad</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Socceroos squad for their two upcoming games against New Zealand include seven uncapped players, four of whom that have been called up to the national team for the first time ever.</p> <p>These players are: Noah Botic, Nicolas Milanovic, Adrian Segecic, Anthony Kalik, Max Balard, and goalkeepers Paul Izzo and Tom Glover. The Socceroos full squad is as follows:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Max Balard (NAC Breda, Netherlands), Jordan Bos (Feyenoord, Netherlands), Noah Botic (Austria Vienna, Austria), Martin Boyle (Hibernian, Scotland), Cameron Burgess (Swansea City, Wales), Alessandro Circati (Parma, Italy), Milos Degenek (FK TSC, Serbia), Joe Gauci (Port Vale, England), Tom Glover (Middlesbrough, England), Ajdin Hrustic (Heracles Almelo, Netherlands), Nestory Irankunda (Watford, England), Paul Izzo (Randers, Denmark), Anthony Kalik (Hajduk Split, Croatia), Fran Karacic (Hajduk Split, Croatia), Hayden Matthews (Portsmouth, England), Connor Metcalfe (St Pauli, Germany), Nicolas Milanovic (Aberdeen, Scotland), Lewis Miller (Blackburn Rovers, England), Aiden O’Neill (New York City, USA), Kye Rowles (DC United, USA), Adrian Segecic (Portsmouth, England), Samuel Silvera (Middlesbrough, England) Ryan Teague (K.V. Mechelen, Belgium), Mohamed Toure (Randers, Denmark), Patrick Yazbek (Nashville, United States)</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Socceroos vs New Zealand Preview</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The upcoming Soccer Ashes presents an ideal opportunity for Australia to test their credentials against another qualified nation.</p> <p>New Zealand also secured their place at the 2026 World Cup, making this two-match series particularly significant for both teams' preparation.</p> <p>While this Socceroos is bristling with in-form overseas talent such as teenage sensation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/irankunda-scores-second-free-kick-in-championship">Nestory Irankunda</a> and Feyenoord’s Jordy Bos, there are still plenty of high-profile Green and Gold regulars missing.</p> <p>Most notably Socceroos captain and goalkeeper Mat Ryan, who only this week ended his long search for a new club when he signed a one-year deal with Spanish outfit Levante.</p> <p>Elsewhere, star pair Jackson Irvine (foot) and Harry Souttar (Achilles) are both still injured.</p> <p>While this means Australia will be far from full-strength, the abundance of quality in this squad, particularly in the final third should still be more than enough to deliver Tony Popovich and his backroom staff two wins from two against a strong Kiwi side.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Socceroos vs New Zealand Match Dates and Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Socceroos v New Zealand (Match 1)</h3> <p><br /> <strong>Date: </strong>Friday, September 5, 2025.</p> <p><strong>Kick-off: </strong>7.45pm AEST.</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>GIO Stadium, Canberra.</p> <p><strong>How to watch: </strong>10, 10.com.au and Paramount+.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>New Zealand v Socceroos (Match 2)</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date: </strong>Tuesday, September 9, 2025.</p> <p><strong>Kick-off: </strong>5:00pm AEST.</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Go Media Stadium, Auckland.</p> <p><strong>How to watch: </strong>Paramount.</p>