What is the extended squad named by Popovic for Australia's crucial World Cup qualifiers?
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Synopsis
Australia's men's football head coach, Tony Popovic, has unveiled a vital 26-man squad for the upcoming AFC World Cup qualifiers. With significant matches against Japan and Saudi Arabia on the horizon, the Socceroos are poised for a crucial battle for automatic World Cup qualification. Can they secure their spot?
Key Takeaways
- Extended squad named for crucial World Cup qualifiers.
- Positioning in Group C is critical for automatic qualification.
- Matches against Japan and Saudi Arabia are pivotal.
- Squad includes both seasoned players and newcomers.
- Head coach expresses confidence in the team's abilities.
Sydney, June 1 (NationPress) Tony Popovic, head coach of Australia’s men’s football team, has announced an expanded squad of 26 players on Sunday for the critical matches in the third round of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifiers leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Currently, Australia is positioned second in Group C, holding 13 points from eight matches. They are set to face the group leaders, Japan, in Western Australia on Thursday, followed by a match against third-placed Saudi Arabia in Jeddah the following Tuesday.
The top two teams in the group will secure automatic spots in the 2026 World Cup. A victory against Japan would ensure the Socceroos qualify. Conversely, should they lose to Japan in Perth, a draw against Saudi Arabia might suffice to maintain their second-place standing, thanks to a current three-point lead and superior goal difference.
“Our position in the group puts us in control of our destiny. We are prepared to face this challenge with utmost respect for our opponents, but we are also filled with belief and confidence in achieving our goal of automatic qualification,” Popovic stated on Sunday, as reported by Xinhua.
The squad features four players who are yet to earn a cap for the Socceroos, while only two players have surpassed 50 appearances for the national side: seasoned goalkeeper Maty Ryan and defender Azi Behich.
Behich is among six players who participated in Saturday's A-League grand final, where Melbourne City triumphed over local rivals Melbourne Victory.
Notably, emerging defender Alessandro Circati has been included after recovering from a ruptured ACL sustained in September 2024, and star midfielder Riley McGree is also back from injury.
If the Socceroos do not secure a top-two finish in Group C, they will advance to the fourth round of AFC qualification, aiming for their sixth consecutive World Cup appearance.
Socceroos squad: Daniel Arzani, Aziz Behich, Brandon Borrello, Kasey Bos, Martin Boyle, Cameron Burgess, Anthony Caceres, Alessandro Circati, Milos Degenek, Mitchell Duke, Joe Gauci, Jason Geria, Paul Izzo, Riley McGree, Connor Metcalfe, Lewis Miller, Paul Okon-Engstler, Aiden O’Neill, Kye Rowles, Mat Ryan, Mohamed Toure, Adam Taggart, Ryan Teague, Marco Tilio, Kai Trewin, Patrick Yazbek
Point of View
I believe that Australia's men's football team is in a strong position heading into these crucial World Cup qualifiers. With a mix of experience and emerging talent, the squad's depth is promising. The upcoming matches will be pivotal, and the team’s performance will be closely monitored as they aim for another World Cup appearance.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the head coach of the Socceroos?
The head coach of the Socceroos is Tony Popovic.
What is the current position of Australia in Group C?
Australia currently sits second in Group C with 13 points.
When will Australia play Japan?
Australia will face Japan on Thursday in Western Australia.
What happens if the Socceroos lose to Japan?
If the Socceroos lose to Japan, a draw against Saudi Arabia might still secure their second-place finish in the group.
How many players have not represented the Socceroos before?
There are four players in the squad who have never represented the Socceroos.
