Mathew Leckie was one of eight players initially called up by Tony Popovic at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ pre-camp in Sarasota, Florida.
The 35-year-old is in contention to play his fourth FIFA World Cup™ after impressing at Melbourne City since recovering from long-term injury.
Here’s a look at his story so far.
Early days
Leckie grew up in the Western suburbs of Melbourne. The Bulleen Lions junior was initially drawn to Australian Rules football, before a group of friends convinced him to take up football at age 11.
He made the move to Adelaide United in 2009. His two-year stint caught the eye of overseas scouts. He was signed by Borussia Monchengladbach in 2011, beginning a ten-year stint in Germany.
His international debut came on 14 November 2012 against Korea Republic.
FIFA World Cup 2014™
Mathew Leckie's first FIFA World Cup™ was in Brazil as a 23-year-old. He started and played every minute in all three group matches against Chile, the Netherlands and Spain. He displayed his raw pace, dynamism and work-rate on the wing, illustrating he belonged at the international level.
AFC Asian Cup 2015™
Leckie appeared in every match during the victorious AFC Asian Cup 2015™ on home soil, playing an integral role within the team.
He said that the victory was amongst the “best moments” in his career.
“Even the final, how it ended with South Korea scoring late and us getting the other goal in extra-time, it was a massive game for us and to do it all at home as well was extra special,” he said in 2018.
The winger started on the left-hand side of attack in the final, directly opposite Korea Republic legend Son Heung-min.
FIFA World Cup 2018™
Leckie was arguably at his best during the World Cup in Russia.
The then 27-year-old saved his best for the draw against Denmark, perhaps foreshadowing a famous performance to come. He picked up an assist as the team kept themselves alive in the tournament but were ultimately unable to advance from the group stage.
At the time, he was the fourth-most experienced Socceroo in the squad with 53 appearances.
FIFA World Cup 2022™
The FIFA World Cup 2022™ was a watershed moment in Socceroos history for a number of reasons.
The tournament was the second global finals where Australia had advanced from the group stage. It was the first time that they had won two games at a World Cup, having only won two in total in previous years.
And there was one man at the centre of the triumph: Mat Leckie.
The winger scored the crucial goal in the team’s 1-0 win against Denmark to send them to the knockout stages in a magical moment for the country. It was his first goal at a World Cup.
“His football does him more credit than any words I have for him… he’s an animal,” captain Maty Ryan said post-match.
One last dance?
It is this vital experience that Head Coach Tony Popovic is pondering calling on for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Leckie has only played six times for Melbourne City this season after undergoing hip surgery in December 2025, but has impressed since his return in April, and may have done enough to convince Popovic that he is worth taking.
“If you watch the game that was just played, Matthew Leckie was the best player on the park at 35 with no football under his belt,” Popovic said, of his recent elimination final performance against Auckland FC.
“That, a young player can’t do as yet, that’s the difference, and that’s what you need at a World Cup.”
It would be a remarkable feat if Leckie were to make the final squad but would be just reward for an incredible servant of Australian football.