Australia arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with familiar faces leading the way and a fresh generation ready to make their mark. The Socceroos, now under the management of Tony Popović, have assembled a squad that balances the experience of well-travelled internationals with an injection of exciting young talent. It is a squad with real depth — and one that carries the spirit of a footballing nation that punches above its weight on the world stage.
The headline story is continuity at the top. Mathew Ryan and Mathew Leckie are both set to appear at their fourth World Cup — a remarkable achievement that speaks to their longevity and consistency at the highest level. But this squad is far from a farewell tour for the veterans. With 17 potential debutants including Cristian Volpato and Tete Yengi, Popović has made some bold calls that signal his confidence in the next generation of Australian football.
First match: Australia vs Türkiye — 14 June 2026, Vancouver Stadium
Full Squad
| Player | Position | Club | Previous World Cups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick Beach | Goalkeeper | Melbourne City | 0 |
| Paul Izzo | Goalkeeper | Randers FC | 0 |
| Mathew Ryan | Goalkeeper | Levante UD | 3 |
| Aziz Behich | Defender | Melbourne City | 2 |
| Jordan Bos | Defender | Feyenoord | 0 |
| Cameron Burgess | Defender | Swansea City | 0 |
| Alessandro Circati | Defender | Parma Calcio 1913 | 0 |
| Miloš Degenek | Defender | APOEL FC | 2 |
| Jason Geria | Defender | Albirex Niigata | 0 |
| Lucas Herrington | Defender | Colorado Rapids | 0 |
| Jacob Italiano | Defender | Grazer AK | 0 |
| Harry Souttar | Defender | Leicester City | 1 |
| Kai Trewin | Defender | New York City FC | 0 |
| Cameron Devlin | Midfielder | Hearts | 1 |
| Ajdin Hrustić | Midfielder | Heracles Almelo | 1 |
| Jackson Irvine | Midfielder | St Pauli | 2 |
| Connor Metcalfe | Midfielder | St Pauli FC | 1 |
| Aiden O'Neill | Midfielder | New York City FC | 0 |
| Paul Okon-Engstler | Midfielder | Sydney FC | 0 |
| Nestory Irankunda | Forward | Watford | 0 |
| Mathew Leckie | Forward | Melbourne City | 3 |
| Awer Mabil | Forward | CD Castellón | 1 |
| Mohamed Toure | Forward | Norwich City | 0 |
| Nishan Velupillay | Forward | Melbourne Victory | 0 |
| Cristian Volpato | Forward | Sassuolo | 0 |
| Tete Yengi | Forward | Machida Zelvia | 0 |
Note: World Cup appearances means previous FIFA World Cup final tournaments the player was selected for before 2026, not match appearances.
Key Players
Mathew Ryan is the bedrock of Australian football. The Levante goalkeeper has been one of the most reliable shot-stoppers in the national team for over a decade, and his experience across four World Cups makes him a priceless presence between the posts. His leadership and shot-stopping quality give Australia a platform on which to build every match.
Jackson Irvine is the engine of this midfield. The St Pauli captain brings relentless energy, excellent positioning and a combative mentality that sets the tone for the entire team. His reading of the game has improved with every World Cup campaign, and he arrives at this tournament as one of the most complete central midfielders in Socceroos history. Alongside him, Ajdin Hrustić provides creativity and a threat from set pieces.
In attack, Mathew Leckie remains a constant danger. The veteran forward's ability to beat defenders, make intelligent runs and produce in the biggest moments is something Australia have relied on for years. The wildcards are Cristian Volpato and Tete Yengi — two bold inclusions who have the talent to announce themselves on the world stage if given the opportunity. Australia's strength in this squad is not just experience — it is the excitement of what the new generation can bring.
Squad by Position
Goalkeepers: Patrick Beach, Paul Izzo, Mathew Ryan
Defenders: Aziz Behich, Jordan Bos, Cameron Burgess, Alessandro Circati, Miloš Degenek, Jason Geria, Lucas Herrington, Jacob Italiano, Harry Souttar, Kai Trewin
Midfielders: Cameron Devlin, Ajdin Hrustić, Jackson Irvine, Connor Metcalfe, Aiden O'Neill, Paul Okon-Engstler
Forwards: Nestory Irankunda, Mathew Leckie, Awer Mabil, Mohamed Toure, Nishan Velupillay, Cristian Volpato, Tete Yengi
FAQ
Who manages Australia at the 2026 World Cup?
Tony Popović is Australia's head coach at the 2026 World Cup. The former Socceroos defender took charge of the national team and guided them through qualification to the tournament in North America.
Who are Australia's key players at the 2026 World Cup?
Mathew Ryan is the experienced backbone in goal, Jackson Irvine provides tireless energy in midfield, and Mathew Leckie leads the attack. Harry Souttar anchors the defence, while Cristian Volpato and Tete Yengi are the exciting new faces in the forward line.
How many World Cups have Mathew Ryan and Mathew Leckie played in?
This is their fourth World Cup — both Mathew Ryan and Mathew Leckie previously appeared at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups, making 2026 a historic fourth tournament for two of Australia's greatest modern footballers.
When do Australia play their first game at the 2026 World Cup?
Australia open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Türkiye on 14 June 2026 at Vancouver Stadium.