Subway Socceroos Head Coach Tony Popovic has announced a 26-player squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia.
The announcement comes on the back of a two-week training camp in Abu Dhabi where coaching staff were able to work with players who were in contention for the final squad and were not carrying out their club duties.
Six players return to the squad who were not in the previous international window in March, while two players – Paul Okon-Engstler and Kasey Bos – have been called up to a Subway Socceroos squad for the first time. That pair, plus goalkeeper Paul Izzo and defender Kai Trewin are the four players in the squad who could make their Australia debut.
Read all about the new and returning players below.
Maiden Call-Ups
Paul Okon-Engstler, Midfielder
Paul Okon-Engstler has been called up to his maiden Subway Socceroos camp, having recently experienced his first-ever training camp with the senior side.
The 20-year-old was a key part of the Young Socceroos side who won the AFC U20 Asian Cup China PR 2025™ - and therefore qualified for the FIFA U20 World Cup 2025™ - and has also represented Australia at U23 level.
He plays his club football for Benfica B in Portugal, where he made eight appearances this season.
He is also the son of Subway Socceroos legend - and current assistant coach - Paul Okon.
Kasey Bos, Defender
Kasey Bos has been rewarded for a fantastic season with A-League Men Grand Finalists Melbourne Victory with his first Subway Socceroos call-up.
The younger brother of 19-time Subway Socceroo Jordy Bos, Kasey notched up four goals and two assists as his side came agonisingly close to completing a fairytale Championship win.
The 21-year-old left-back will add to Popovic's defensive options in what will be a tough pair of games against Japan and Saudi Arabia.
Returning Players
Joe Gauci, Goalkeeper
Joe Gauci returns to the national team fold after a club season that was heavily disrupted by injury.
The Aston Villa man was loaned to Barnsley in January, only to pick up a hip injury that saw him ruled out for most of his time there. Three of his seven starts for Barnsley came after his recovery in late April.
Gauci has made seven appearances for the Subway Socceroos and remains in contention with Maty Ryan for the number one shirt.
READ MORE: ‘Gauci: I’m physically in the best spot of my career’
Alessandro Circati, Defender
An ACL rupture cruelly hampered Circati’s first season in Serie A after he played a key role in Parma’s promotion in 2023/24. However, after finishing the season strong with two starts at club level - drawing with eventual champions Napoli before beating third-placed Atalanta - the 21-year-old is back for the Subway Socceroos.
It’s been a remarkable recovery for the young man who was expected to be unable to return to football this season. Instead, he completed two full 90-minutes back-to-back as he helped Parma steer clear of the relegation zone.
He will be right back in contention to start for Tony Popovic’s side in this international window.
Connor Metcalfe, Midfielder
Connor Metcalfe has recovered from a long-term injury to take part in last month’s training camp and be selected for the upcoming international window.
The 25-year-old St Pauli player will be taking part in his first international window since September and his first under Popovic. He will be in contention to slot into midfield after the injury to his club teammate Jackson Irvine.
Riley McGree, Midfielder
In a huge boon for the Socceroos, Riley McGree has been assessed as fit to take part in the upcoming international window.
He returned to the team environment via the training camp in Abu Dhabi and has used the time to return to fitness, despite only making one appearance for Middlesbrough since New Year’s Day.
The 26-year-old will hope to make the most of his opportunity to be back with the squad.
READ MORE: ‘McGree: I’ve been working hard to get my body right.’
Patrick Yazbek, Midfielder
Box-to-box midfielder Patrick Yazbek comes into the national team set-up for the third time in his career.
The 23-year-old is currently in the middle of the MLS season with Nashville SC, where he has made 14 appearances. He scored his first MLS goal against New York Red Bull in mid-May.
If Yazbek makes an appearance in this window, it will add to his two caps for his country so far.
Mohamed Toure, Forward
Mohamed Toure will be hoping to make his first national team appearance since his debut in 2023 after impressing in Denmark this season.
The 21-year-old from Adelaide scored seven goals in 14 starts this season at Randers FC – making a total of 27 appearances – and has done enough to convince Popovic that he is ready for another national team opportunity.
SUBWAY SOCCEROOS’ FIXTURES | JUNE FIFA MEN’S INTERNATIONAL WINDOW
Subway Socceroos v Japan
Thursday, 5 June 2025
Perth Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 7.00pm local / 9:00pm AEST
Tickets: Available via Ticketmaster
Broadcast: 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
Saudi Arabia v Subway Socceroos
Tuesday 10 June 2025
King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah
Kick-off: 9.15pm local / 4.15am AEST
Broadcast: Paramount+