MELBOURNE, 14 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Australia coach Tony Popovic has made sweeping changes to the Socceroos squad ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifiers, calling up six uncapped players and recalling two others who have not featured in international football since 2022.
The Socceroos currently sit second in Asian qualifying Group C with seven points, trailing group leaders Japan. The other four teams in the group each have six points, making Australia’s upcoming matches against Indonesia in Sydney next week and China shortly after of paramount importance.
To secure direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America, Australia must finish in the top two of their group. Failing that, they may have to go through an additional round of qualifiers.
Popovic’s squad selection was influenced by injuries, with key players Harry Souttar, Riley McGree, and Jordy Bos among five absentees from the previous squad.
New faces in the squad include Hibernian defender Nectarios Triantis and Australia-based trio Alex Grant, Ryan Teague, and Kai Trewin.
Popovic has also recalled left-back Jason Davidson, a member of Australia’s 2015 Asian Cup-winning squad, and right-back Fran Karacic, who was part of their 2022 World Cup campaign. Neither has played for the national team in three years.
“We understand the importance of these upcoming games and are excited by the opportunity to further cement our position in the group’s automatic qualifying spots,” said Popovic. “I’m looking forward to seeing the players and getting the squad together on the pitch in preparation for what will be a great occasion at the Sydney Football Stadium.”
Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Mat Ryan (Lens/FRA), Thomas Glover (Middlesbrough/ENG), Paul Izzo (Randers FC/DEN)
Defenders: Aziz Behich (Melbourne City/AUS), Cameron Burgess (Ipswich Town/ENG), Jason Davidson (Panserraikos FC/GRE), Milos Degenek (FK TSC Backa Topola/SRB), Jason Geria (Albirex Niigata/JPN), Alex Grant (Sydney FC/AUS), Fran Karacic (NK Lokomotiva/CRO), Lewis Miller (Hibernian/SCO), Kye Rowles (DC United/USA), Nectarios Triantis (Hibernian/SCO), Kai Trewin (Melbourne City/AUS)
Midfielders: Brandon Borrello (Western Sydney Wanderers/AUS), Martin Boyle (Hibernian/SCO), Anthony Caceres (Sydney FC/AUS), Craig Goodwin (Al Wehda/KSA), Jackson Irvine (FC St Pauli/GER), Aiden O’Neill (Standard Liege/BEL), Ryan Teague (Melbourne Victory/AUS)
Forwards: Daniel Arzani (Melbourne Victory/AUS), Adam Taggart (Perth Glory/AUS), Marco Tilio (Melbourne City/AUS), Nishan Velupillay (Melbourne Victory/AUS), Kusini Yengi (Portsmouth/ENG)
Context and Outlook
The Socceroos’ squad overhaul highlights the growing depth of Australian football, with emerging talents stepping in to fill the void left by injuries. The upcoming fixtures will be a test of both squad resilience and Popovic’s ability to integrate fresh faces into the team structure.
Australia has a strong history of World Cup qualification, having featured in every tournament since 2006. However, with competition intensifying in Asian football, maintaining their presence on the global stage requires adaptability and strong performances in high-stakes matches.
The first of these crucial encounters will take place at the Sydney Football Stadium, where the Socceroos will look to take a decisive step toward securing their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.