Squad notes: Four first-time call-ups, seven potential debutants, while big names return

CommBank Socceroos Head Coach Tony Popovic has named a 26-player squad to take on Venezuela and Colombia on Saturday, 15 November and Wednesday, 19 November (AEDT) respectively.

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There are eleven new players including four first-time call-ups and seven potential debutants. In addition, the squad sees the return of long-time Socceroos like Jackson Irvine, Riley McGree and Craig Goodwin.

There’s plenty to be excited about as the team continues preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

First time call-ups

Patrick Beach

Goalkeeper Patrick Beach earns his first call-up after a stellar start to the season with Melbourne City in the A-League Men.

Beach’s first involvement with the senior national team was in March, as a development player. Now, the 22-year-old earns his first opportunity to be a full part of Popovic’s squad.

He has previously represented Australia at U23 level.

DOHA, QATAR - APRIL 15: Goalkeeper Patrick Beach of Australia reacts after the AFC U23 Asian Cup Group A match between Australia and Jordan at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium on April 15, 2024 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images)
Goalkeeper Patrick Beach during the AFC U23 Asian Cup Group A match between Australia and Jordan (Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images)

Al Hassan Toure

25-year-old Al Hassan Toure earns his first senior call-up after scoring three goals, and picking up an assist, in the first three games of the A-League Men season for Sydney FC.

He joins his brother Mohamed in the squad, joining a long list of Socceroos siblings including Ryan and Rhys Williams, Dylan and Ryan McGowan, and – looking further back in the past – Aurelio and Tony Vidmar, and John and Ross Aloisi.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 25: Al Hassan Toure of Sydney FC reacts during the round two A-League Men match between Sydney FC and Central Coast Mariners at Leichhardt Oval, on October 25, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)
Al Hassan Toure of Sydney FC during the round two A-League Men match between Sydney FC and Central Coast Mariners (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)

Deni Juric

Speaking of brothers, the brother of 41-time Socceroo Tomi Juric – Deni – also earns his first call-up in this window.

The 28-year-old has spent the majority of his club career in Croatia before signing for Polish side Wisla Plock this season. He has featured in the starting eleven in their previous five fixtures, scoring one goal.

Deni Juric
Deni Juric in action for Wisla Plock. Photo by Jacek Prondzynski / Imago Images.


James Overy

Manchester United youngster James Overy has been rewarded for his form with the CommBank Young Socceroos with his first senior call-up.

The right-back signed his first professional contract with United this year and turned heads with his performances at the FIFA U-20 World Cup™.

SANTIAGO, CHILE - OCTOBER 04: James Overy of Australia shoots during the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 Group D match between Australia and Cuba at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos on October 04, 2025 in Santiago, Chile. (Photo by Buda Mendes - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
James Overy of Australia shoots during the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 Group D match between Australia and Cuba (Photo by Buda Mendes - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Potential Debutants

Kai Trewin

24-year-old Kai Trewin returns to the CommBank Socceroos squad after convincing form for Melbourne City.

City coach Aurelio Vidmar flagged earlier this season that his ‘long-term future’ may be at midfield and, with the versatility to play at centre-back or as a number six, Trewin will provide defensive flexibility to Popovic.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 18: Kai Trewin of City heads the ball during the round one A-League Men match between Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne City at CommBank Stadium, on October 18, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Kai Trewin of City heads the ball during the round one A-League Men match between Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne City (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Paul Okon-Engstler

Okon-Engstler earns another CommBank Socceroos call-up after signing for A-League Men’s side Sydney FC this season.

The 20-year-old midfielder continues to impress at both youth and senior level and will hope to do enough to impress Popovic and earn his first cap in this window.

VALPARAISO, CHILE - OCTOBER 01: Paul Okon-engstler of Australia runs with the ball during the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 Group D match between Argentina and Australia at Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander on October 01, 2025 in Valparaiso, Chile. (Photo by Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Paul Okon-Engstler during the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 Group D match between Argentina and Australia (Photo by Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Jack Iredale

Hibernian defender Jack Iredale returns to the squad for the first time since the FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia in May.

Iredale has started nine out of ten games for Hibs this season, and the 29-year-old will hope to do the same for Australia.

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - MAY 21: Jack Iredale looks on during the Australia Socceroos player training camp at the Ritz Carlton Training Pitch on May 21, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Jack Iredale looks on during the Socceroos training camp at the Ritz Carlton Training Pitch on May 21, 2025 in Abu Dhabi (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Returning players

Jackson Irvine

Jackson Irvine returns to the CommBank Socceroos squad after injury forced him away from football for 195 days in 2025.

The St. Pauli captain is still building his minutes but will be a key component of the squad as they continue preparations for the World Cup next year.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 10: Jackson Irvine of the Socceroos signs a jersey after the third round FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Australia Socceroos and China PR at Adelaide Oval on October 10, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Maya Thompson/Getty Images)
Jackson Irvine signs a jersey after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match against China PR at Adelaide Oval in October, 2024 (Photo by Maya Thompson/Getty Images)

Callum Elder

30-year-old Callum Elder has the chance to earn his second Socceroos cap after fantastic form with Derby County in the EFL Championship.

The athletic left-back was last seen in the green and gold against China in September 2021.

DERBY, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21: Callum Elder of Derby during the Sky Bet Championship match between Derby County and Norwich City at Pride Park on October 21, 2025 in Derby, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Callum Elder of Derby during the Sky Bet Championship match between Derby County and Norwich City in October (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Riley McGree

After making his first appearances for Middlesbrough this season after returning from injury, creative midfielder Riley McGree returns to the Socceroos fold for the first time since World Cup qualification.

McGree’s name is a welcome sight for Socceroos fans, who will hope that the 27-year-old can put several years of injury troubles in the rear-view mirror.

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - MAY 24: Riley McGree arrives to attend the Australia Socceroos player training camp at the Ritz Carlton Training Pitch on May 24, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Riley McGree attends the Socceroos player training camp at the Ritz Carlton Training Pitch on May 24, 2025 in Abu Dhabi (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Craig Goodwin

Adelaide United legend Craig Goodwin went under the knife in preseason to resolve a long-term foot issue. Now, after a strong start to the A-League Men season, he is back in the Socceroos squad.

The forward, who predominantly plays on the left, is a key leader in the team as he looks to add to his 31 national team appearances.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 20: Craig Goodwin of Australia looks on during the round three FIFA 2026 World Cup AFC Asian Qualifier match between Australia Socceroos and Indonesia at Allianz Stadium on March 20, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Craig Goodwin looks on during the round three FIFA 2026 World Cup AFC Asian Qualifier match between against Indonesia in March (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)


MATCH DETAILS

Venezuela v CommBank Socceroos

Date: Friday, 14 November (local)

Venue: Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, Texas

Kick-off: 8pm local/1pm AEDT (Saturday, November 15)

Tickets:  Click here for Tickets
Broadcast: 10, 10.com.au, Paramount+

Colombia v CommBank Socceroos
Date: Tuesday, November 18 (local)
Venue: Citi Field, Queens, New York

Kick-off: 8pm local/12pm AEDT (Wednesday, November 19)

Tickets: Click here for Tickets
Broadcast: Paramount+