The Socceroos have named two uncapped attackers in their final 26-man World Cup squad, as coach Tony Popovic rolls the dice in search of an attacking spark. Winger Cristian Volpato, a former Italy youth international, has been selected after completing paperwork to switch allegiance, while towering striker Tete Yengi earned his place following a strong season with Japanese club Machida Zelvia.
Popovic had to cut four players from his training squad: goalkeeper Joe Gauci, defender Kye Rowles, and forwards Brandon Borrello and Martin Boyle. Boyle, who missed the 2022 World Cup through injury, expressed his disappointment on Instagram, writing, 'Left it all out there. Heart and soul. Here’s to 2030.' Rowles, who played every match in Qatar four years ago alongside Harry Souttar, was also considered unfortunate to miss out.
Volpato, born and raised in Sydney, finally committed to Australia after previously snubbing approaches, including an invitation from former coach Graham Arnold for the 2022 tournament. The 22-year-old joined the squad at the weekend but did not feature in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Mexico. 'There’s a lot of growth and potential still there,' Popovic said of Volpato.
The squad also includes an unlikely comeback for Souttar, who suffered an Achilles injury in December 2024 and has only recently returned. The 27-year-old provides a physical presence and has a remarkable international scoring rate of better than one goal every four matches. Another surprise is 18-year-old Lucas Herrington, who was playing for Brisbane Roar a year ago but has impressed with MLS side Colorado, facing the likes of Lionel Messi and Son Heung-min.
Herrington is part of a young core that includes striker Mo Touré, forward Nestory Irankunda, defender Alessandro Circati, and fullback Jordy Bos, all aged 23 or under. A total of 17 squad members will be at their first World Cup. Popovic emphasised his faith in the youngsters, saying, 'None of these boys are here to just sit on the side... I want them all to give me a headache every week.' The squad is balanced by veterans Mathew Leckie, Maty Ryan, Jackson Irvine, and Aziz Behich.
