In a bold move that underscores his search for attacking dynamism, Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has named two uncapped forwards in Australia’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Sassuolo winger Cristian Volpato and towering Japanese-based striker Tete Yengi have earned surprise call-ups as Popovic rolls the dice ahead of the global showpiece, hoping the pair can provide the spark that has at times eluded the team. The announcement, however, came with heartbreak for four experienced campaigners who missed the cut: goalkeeper Joe Gauci, defender Kye Rowles, and attackers Brandon Borrello and Martin Boyle.
The inclusion of Volpato, a former Italy youth international whose switch of allegiance was only finalized last week, adds a fascinating subplot. The 22-year-old, who came through at Roma before moving to Sassuolo, has long been on the radar of Australian football authorities. His technical ability and eye for goal could give the Socceroos a different dimension in the final third. Meanwhile, 24-year-old Yengi has forced his way into contention after a prolific 2025-26 season with J2 League side Machida Zelvia, where his physical presence and improved finishing made him impossible to ignore.
Equally notable were the omissions. Martin Boyle, who missed the 2022 World Cup through injury, has again been denied a chance on football’s biggest stage, a cruel blow for the Scottish-born winger. Kye Rowles, a mainstay in Qatar four years ago where he played every minute alongside Harry Souttar, also finds himself on the outside looking in. Popovic acknowledged the difficulty of these decisions, stating that a range of factors influenced the final selection and that the contributions of those left out would not be forgotten. Under FIFA regulations, injured players can still be replaced up to 24 hours before the first match, leaving a glimmer of hope.
One of the most compelling redemption narratives belongs to Harry Souttar. The Leicester City centre-back suffered a devastating Achilles injury in December 2024 and only recently returned to action. His towering presence in both boxes – underscored by a remarkable international scoring rate of better than one goal every four games – was on full display in the recent friendly against Mexico. Souttar’s recovery and inclusion is a testament to his resilience and a huge boost for the Socceroos’ defensive stability.
Emerging alongside Souttar is 18-year-old Lucas Herrington, whose rise has been nothing short of meteoric. A year ago he was playing for Brisbane Roar; now, after a move to MLS side Colorado Rapids, he has tested himself against global icons Lionel Messi and Son Heung-min. Herrington is part of an exciting young core that also features Nestory Irankunda, Mohamed Toure, Alessandro Circati, and Jordy Bos – all under 23 and already proving themselves in competitive European leagues. While Circati’s consistency at Parma and Irankunda’s thrilling pace at Watford offer hope, the group’s inexperience on the World Cup stage means they will rely heavily on veteran leaders like Mathew Leckie, Mat Ryan, and Jackson Irvine.
The A-League Men are well represented by six players, including the rejuvenated Leckie. At 35 and with a storied European career behind him, Leckie has battled back from a two-year injury nightmare to force his way into the squad, starting the Mexico friendly and rolling back the years. Paul Okon-Engstler, the 21-year-old son of assistant coach Paul Okon, adds a family storyline; his experience at Benfica and Sydney FC positions him as a midfielder to watch. Melbourne City’s Patrick Beach and Melbourne Victory’s Nishan Velupillay are expected to draw transfer interest if they perform well on football’s biggest stage.
Popovic’s tactical gamble reflects a broader shift in the Socceroos’ identity. In past tournaments, Australia often relied on a pragmatic, defensively solid approach. But with emerging technical talents and a dearth of proven international scorers, the coach has opted for x-factor over experience. Volpato’s craft and Yengi’s physicality offer contrasting options, and their selection suggests a deliberate strategy to unsettle opponents with unpredictability. Whether that boldness pays off will define Popovic’s legacy.
The squad also highlights the increasingly global nature of Australian football. Players are spread across clubs in Italy, Japan, the United States, England, Scotland, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Austria, Cyprus, Denmark, and Greece, reflecting a diaspora that has both broadened the player pool and created complex selection dynamics. The blend of European-based prospects and A-Leagues stalwarts gives the side a unique character, but cohesion will be a challenge with limited preparation time.
Looking ahead to the tournament, Australia face a tough group that will test this experimental squad. The pressure is on Volpato and Yengi to justify their selection, while the experienced heads must ensure the team does not lose its defensive shape. With only days to go until the opening match, Popovic’s squad is a statement of intent: the Socceroos are here not just to compete, but to evolve.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.