Meet our World Cup squad: The 2026 Socceroos and how they’ll likely line up

As the Socceroos prepare for their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Türkiye, the focus is on balancing leadership with the explosive potential of a new generation. Tony Popovic’s 26-man squad features a blend of veteran experience and 17 players making their World Cup debuts, setting the stage for a compelling campaign in North America.

Under Tony Popovic, this group is defined by its international exposure, with nearly the entire roster plying their trade in top-tier leagues across Europe, Asia, and the States.

Click here to download our Apple app
Click here to download our Android app

With 17 debutants in the 26-man squad, the tournament marks a generational transition for a team looking to make its mark on the global stage.

Top Aussie boss Popovic has moved away from the more conservative setups of the past, instead favouring a dynamic 4-3-3. That blueprint, while slow and steady at times, relies on high-pressing intensity and rapid transitions from stable, steady defense to blistering attack.

The squad is built to accommodate the flair of younger players like Volpato and Irankunda, while leaning on the experience of veterans such as Matty Ryan and Irvine to keep composed under pressure.

Predicted Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3
GK: Patrick Beach
DEF: Jacob Italiano, Harry Souttar, Alessandro Circati, Jordan Bos
MID: Jackson Irvine, Aiden O’Neill, Connor Metcalfe
FWD: Nestory Irankunda, Tete Yengi, Cristian Volpato

Key Players to Watch

Nestory Irankunda: The most electrifying prospect in the squad, Irankunda’s pace and willingness to take on defenders in 1-v-1 situations will be essential to breaking down defences.
Alessandro Circati: Having established himself in Serie A, Circati is the defensive linchpin. His ability to pass out from the back is fundamental to Popovic’s system.
Jackson Irvine: The heartbeat. Irvine remains the critical link between defence and attack, providing both the defensive work rate to disrupt opponents and the leadership to organise the Socceroos.
Jordan Bos: Bos has evolved into an elite attacking full-back. His crosses from high positions are a primary weapon in transition.

Meet The Whole Squad

Goalkeepers

Mathew Ryan (Levante UD): Captain and veteran leader; appearing at a record-equalling fourth World Cup. Reliable organizer with elite distribution.
Paul Izzo (Randers FC): Experienced shot-stopper providing dependable cover and high-level backup.
Patrick Beach (Melbourne City): Promising young keeper with strong reflexes; gaining vital tournament experience as the third option.

Defenders

Harry Souttar (Leicester City): The defensive focal point and major aerial threat at attacking set-pieces.
Alessandro Circati (Parma Calcio 1913): Composed, technical center-back who is comfortable playing out from the back in a high-pressure system.
Cameron Burgess (Swansea City): Physical presence in the heart of the defense; provides aerial dominance and stability.
Miloš Degenek (APOEL FC): Versatile and experienced campaigner capable of playing centrally or on the flank.
Aziz Behich (Melbourne City): Veteran full-back with immense work rate and tournament experience; provides energy on the left.
Jordan Bos (Feyenoord): Dynamic, attacking-minded full-back known for pace, overlap runs, and technical crossing.
Jason Geria (Albirex Niigata): Solid, experienced defensive option who provides tactical discipline across the backline.
Kai Trewin (New York City): A reliable, disciplined defender utilized for his versatility and positional intelligence.
Jacob Italiano (Grazer AK): Versatile player often used to bring high intensity and defensive work rate to the flanks.
Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids): Young, emerging talent providing depth and defensive energy to the squad rotation.

Midfielders

Jackson Irvine (FC St. Pauli): The squad’s tactical leader and engine room. A tireless, physical presence who controls the tempo and links play.
Aiden O’Neill (New York City): Disciplined holding midfielder tasked with breaking up play and anchoring the transition game.
Connor Metcalfe (FC St. Pauli): High-energy, versatile midfielder with excellent passing range and the ability to contribute in the final third.
Cammy Devlin (Heart of Midlothian): Aggressive, tenacious disruptor who excels at high-intensity pressing and winning duels in the middle.
Paul Okon-Engstler (Sydney FC): Intelligent young midfielder focused on maintaining possession and distributing effectively.
Ajdin Hrustić (Heracles Almelo): Creative playmaker with elite technical ability; a specialist in dead-ball situations and long-range shooting.

Forwards

Mathew Leckie (Melbourne City): Experienced wide forward/winger competing in his fourth World Cup; provides directness and clinical finishing.
Nestory Irankunda (Watford): Explosive young attacker with electrifying pace; a primary threat in 1-v-1 situations and a potent goal scorer.
Cristian Volpato (US Sassuolo): Highly technical, creative attacking player capable of unlocking defenses; a newcomer to the senior side.
Tete Yengi (Machida Zelvia): Strong, clinical forward providing a focal point in attack and a physical challenge for opposition center-backs.
Mohamed Touré (Norwich City): Fast and versatile forward who thrives on stretching defenses with direct running.
Awer Mabil (CD Castellón): Dangerous winger known for flair, pace, and his ability to produce game-changing moments.
Nishan Velupillay (Melbourne Victory): Technical winger utilized to provide width and creative delivery from the wide areas.