Tony Popovic Names Socceroos World Cup Squad With Two Uncapped Attackers
Australia’s socceroos world cup squad now includes two uncapped attackers, with Tony Popovic naming Cristian Volpato and Tete Yengi in the final 26-man group. Joe Gauci, Kye Rowles, Brandon Borrello and Martin Boyle were cut as Popovic trimmed his training squad to the tournament limit.
Volpato and Yengi added
Volpato arrived after paperwork for his change of allegiance was completed in the past week. Yengi earned his place after a strong year with Japanese club Machida Zelvia, giving Popovic two fresh attacking options in a squad that will carry Australia into this month’s World Cup.
“A range of factors has gone into selecting this final World Cup squad. Some difficult decisions had to be made – that’s the nature of major tournaments,” Popovic said after the announcement. He also acknowledged the players who helped Australia qualify but did not make the cut: “I’d like to acknowledge the players who contributed to our direct World Cup qualification but are not part of this squad. Their contribution should not be forgotten,” he said.
Rowles and Boyle miss out
Rowles’ omission stands out because he played every match in Qatar four years ago alongside Harry Souttar in defence. Boyle also misses a World Cup again after sitting out the 2022 tournament through injury. Gauci and Borrello were the other players trimmed from the 26-man list.
Popovic’s selections still sit inside Fifa’s replacement rules, which allow an injured outfield player to be swapped out up until 24 hours before the first match. Injured goalkeepers can be replaced at any time during the tournament, a rule that leaves some room for movement before Australia begins play.
Souttar and Herrington return
Souttar made the squad after returning from the achilles injury he suffered in December 2024. He has scored for Australia at a rate of better than one every four matches, a rare edge for a defender in a squad that also includes Mo Touré, Nestory Irankunda, Alessandro Circati, Jordy Bos, Mathew Leckie, Maty Ryan, Jackson Irvine and Aziz Behich.
Lucas Herrington also kept his place after playing alongside Souttar against Mexico on Sunday. The 18-year-old had been playing for Brisbane Roar a year ago before moving to MLS side Colorado, while the A-League Men contingent in the squad is made up of Aziz Behich, Paul Okon-Engstler, Nishan Velupillay, Patrick Beach and Leckie.
Australia’s final group is built for the month ahead, but the sharpest change is already clear: Volpato and Yengi are in, and four familiar names are out. For Popovic, that is the trade-off of a 26-man squad.
