Nishan Velupillay Selected for Australia’s 2026 World Cup Squad
nishan velupillay has been selected in Australia’s 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup squad, putting the 25-year-old attacker on the edge of a first World Cup appearance. He said the call-up feels different now that it is real, and he is ready to go.
“You always think about these things, but once they become a reality, it’s a different feeling. I’m really happy and just ready to go.”
Velupillay and Australia
Velupillay said making an appearance at the World Cup would be a dream come true. He added that he wants to contribute as an attacking player with a goal, an assist, or another action that helps the team, and said that would make the country and his family proud.
Australia will open its 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup campaign against Türkiye on Sunday at 2pm AEST in Vancouver, then face the United States on June 19 and Paraguay on June 25 in group play. Those dates give him a tight path from selection to a possible tournament debut.
Tony Popovic’s view
Tony Popovic pointed to a moment against Mexico, when Velupillay won a duel on the halfway line and powered away from players. He said that was a sign the winger can make an impact at this level.
Popovic also described him as “a bit of a hybrid,” saying he plays well between the lines and likes to run in behind when the opposition holds a high line. That profile is what pushed him into the squad, not just the call-up itself.
Family sacrifice
Velupillay tied the selection to the people who carried him there. He said his family drove him to training after long, hard days of work and put his dream first.
“A lot of days where they’re driving you to training and they come back from long, hard days of work and they’re willing to put your dream first, I’m forever grateful for that.” He added: “If I can repay them with a World Cup appearance, I’m sure they’ll be happy with that.”
That is the pressure and the reward in one place for a 25-year-old attacker whose next step is no longer hypothetical. For Australia, he now sits in the group that can turn a place in the squad into a real tournament role.
