Match Preview: CommBank Socceroos v Qatar | International Friendly

The CommBank Socceroos will take on Qatar in the first of two games in Doha in this international window.

It is a chance for the team to test themselves against top Asian opposition away from home.

The Squad

Head Coach Tony Popovic has a 24-player squad to call on for the two matches in the November international window.

There were eight changes to the squad from the group that took on Brazil in a two game friendly series at home. Diesel Herrington, Sam Klein and Thomas Waddingham have been rewarded for fantastic form at club level with first-time call-ups. Gianni Stensness, Daniel Arzani, Joe Gauci, Tom Glover and Kusini Yengi return to the squad after a period of absence.

Additionally, Eli Adams, Kealey Adamson and Kasey Bos are in line to make their debuts in their second consecutive CommBank Socceroos call-up.

Notable outs include Jackson Irvine - returning home after the birth of his child - and Patrick Yazbek, who withdrew from the squad due to medical reasons.

"When they come in for the first time, some look like they've been there forever, and others look nervous," Head Coach Tony Popovic explained.

"When they go back to their clubs and they keep playing, you start to consider whether it's worth giving them another opportunity. See if they're more settled. See if they're more confident and comfortable in the environment, which may help them if they get an opportunity. 

"We've got a lot of those boys that are coming back for a second time. And obviously, we've got some young boys here for the very first time. But they're excited, a lot of energy. It's new to them. It's nice to see.

"We've got a really strong core group here that make them feel welcome. And we can see that the players are enjoying their time together and enjoying training."

 

 

 

 

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Last Window

Australia took on Brazil in a two-game friendly series in the previous window, drawing the first game 1-1 before being defeated 4-2 in the second.

Despite not picking up a win against one of the world's top teams, there were lots of positive signs for Popovic and the squad to draw on. In particular, the team was praised for their attacking football and ability to go toe-to-toe with Brazil.

"The players were outstanding at the World Cup," Popovic said.

"A lot of young players playing, young squad, and from that, you build confidence, you build trust with each other, you believe in yourself. You've seen that you can match it with the very best in the world, and then we challenged the players that Brazil was an opportunity to progress our game and show that belief and that they believe more in themselves. 

"It's not just coming from the staff trying to instil it in a young player, they felt it themselves. They all went back to their clubs, new clubs in pre-season, and we saw a change in the group. I think psychologically there was a change, and then of course you have to action that against a fantastic nation in Brazil. We performed well in both games. The next step is that you know we we can win one of those matches, and I think that's how we want to proceed."

The Opponent

Qatar are the reigning AFC Asian Cup champions, having won the tournament back-to-back in 2019 and 2023, and boast a host of experienced players who have done it all on the big stage.

They are led by captain Hassan Al-Haydos. The forward captained both of their Asian Cup triumphs and has scored 43 goals for the national team in his 193 caps. Decorated Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui has been in charge since 2025.

All of the squad plays locally, with the exception of Homam Ahmed, who plays in Spain for Valladolid.

"Qatar are a very experienced team," Australia Head Coach Tony Popovic said.

"If you have a look at their squad, they have ten to 15 players between 50 and some cases a hundred and 180, 190 caps. We've got one player over 50 caps, so we're still going down the path of having a young squad, bringing in new players, and hopefully this will really show the fruits of our labor. 

"That will show, in a year's time when the Asian Cup is on. We know what we're up against, Asian Cup winners, an experienced team in their conditions. It's another great challenge, but also an opportunity to progress our game and try and build on what we showed against Brazil."

 

 

 

 

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FIFA World Rankings

Australia: 26
Qatar: 59

Head-to-head

Played: 5
Wins: 3
Draws: 1
Losses: 1

Form Guide

Australia form guide: L-D-L-D-L

Brazil form guide: L-D-W-W-D

What They Said

Tony Popovic

Spirits are high. The boys are really looking forward to the game, and it's what we love about this group. They're always honoured and proud to play for their country, and they know it's a chance again to play a difficult match. Good opportunity to learn and grow, but the biggest challenge and opportunity for us is that we can win another game of football. We've got a lot of players here that want to win and win well. So we're really looking forward to the game.

Jason Geria

There's a clear progression from the World Cup to those Brazil games. Our approach in how we've been training, how we want to be more positive, have a bit more attacking intent about us and progressing our football. It's clear that the boss has a message that we do want to take another step towards progressing. It's a real good opportunity for us to work on things and get better.

Lucas Herrington

The boys are buzzing to be back in camp after the last series against Brazil. A few fresh faces, including my brother. It's been a very special camp for me and I can't wait for the Qatar game.

It's a dream come true [having Diesel in camp]. Having him in camp with me is a special feeling for my parents, my brother and I. To have him in camp has been the best. It's been a long journey for him to get back to where he's playing his best, so that's a credit to him and his coaching staff at the Central Coast. I've been watching his games, he's been amazing. To have him in camp is really special to me.

Aziz Behich

Everyone is excited to be back in. It's been a few months now, so we're really excited for the games coming up, and looking to build on the Brazil games.

Diesel Herrington

I feel like I've gelled in quite well with the boys. They've been very welcoming, including the coaching staff, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the game against Qatar goes.

This last week hasn't really felt real. I've been really blown away by it, and really enjoying it so far.

Joe Gauci

Goals for the camp is to bring my best level, bring my best self, and to play. Every player here wants to play and represent their country, so that's the goal as always.

Jacob Italiano

Seeing all the boys, the coaching staff, the background staff as well - it's always an amazing feeling.

[The games against Brazil] were an unreal experience. We had this feeling that we could have done more, but we showed that we can compete at the highest level. The second game they came out firing after what we did to them in the first, and we still competed really well. It was a good confidence booster for us.