Lucas Herrington: "It's a dream come true"

CommBank Socceroos defender Lucas Herrington said it was a “dream come true” to make the final 26-player squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, and is excited for the tournament ahead.

The 18-year-old was speaking to media in the United States as the team continues to prepare for the global finals.

Making the final squad

It has been a lot [over the last few months] but it's a dream come true to make the final squad, and hopefully I can get some minutes. I've loved every minute of camp. All the boys have worked hard, so it's a great group to be a part of. I'm so happy to be here. So grateful to the coaches for the opportunity.

Friendships within the team

I’ve known Nestor [Irankunda] since we were 16 or 17. We’ve talked ever since, and it's great to be back in camp with him. I was obviously with Pauly [Okon-Engstler] as well during the U20s campaign throughout the World Cup and everything, so he’s a great friend of mine as well. I roomed with Mo Toure for the first bit of camp - I played with this brother as well back in the U20s. So, I’m really close to all the boys. It's been a great experience, and really loving it.

 

 

 

 

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Defensive combinations

I made my debut alongside Ale [Alessandro Circati], so he was top in bringing me in and giving me little tips just to play my game, things like don't worry about mistakes. Obviously, he's another young defender, so it's great for me to see that example, playing in a top league around the world. So, as a young defender, he’s one for me to look up to. Harry [Souttar], of course, is a top defender. We’ve all known that since the last World Cup, and he really shines. So, it's great to be in camp with him, learn from him. It’s been awesome.

Early days at Brisbane Roar

Ruben [Zadkovich] was my first professional coach. He gave me my debut for the [Brisbane] Roar, so I'll always be grateful to him for that opportunity. I probably wouldn't be here today, so I’ve got a lot to thank Ruben for. As a player, having that belief from your coach goes a long way.

Back in those days… I was on the outside a lot, just watching, learning, and then as a few months went on, I started getting opportunities to train. In the preseason friendly games, I got subbed on, so I was just loving the opportunity, just enjoying it. When my time came, I just wanted to do more for the club. I supported them from a young age, so it was great to make my debut.

It’s really special [to represent Brisbane at the World Cup]. Australia and Brisbane, especially, has given me a lot, given me my whole football career. I'm proud to represent the country and the area in the World Cup, and hopefully we do some great things.

This season with Colorado Rapids

I'm loving it over there. When I moved from A-League, I wanted minutes, and the MLS was the right place for that. It's a great league, a developing league, and I thought it was the right step, and clearly it was. I'm loving it over there, playing a lot. I'm really happy and really enjoying playing in Colorado.

UPCOMING MATCHES

Australia vs Switzerland