Squad Notes: The returning players and potential debutant for September window
After Subway Socceroos boss Graham Arnold unveiled his 24-man squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 Third Round Qualifiers against Bahrain and Indonesia, we examine some of the main talking points to emerge.
Australia was perfect during Round 2, winning all six matches without conceding a goal. However, the side is aware greater challenges lie ahead, so the importance of a positive start in these upcoming matches will be crucial on the road to qualifying for Canada, Mexico and the United States in 2026.
The Aussies were drawn in Group C alongside Japan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, China PR and Indonesia for the upcoming AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 campaign.
Arnold has named a settled squad for the matches against Bahrain and Indonesia and, while some players are unavailable for selection due to injury, this group includes players who have all been called up to the national team previously.
Returning Players
Seven players return to the fray having been absent from the most recent June camp and some slightly longer.
Captain Maty Ryan makes a welcome return to the squad after resting with a minor injury in June. The 32-year-old gloveman also completed a transfer to Serie A giants AS Roma over the off-season.
Craig Goodwin is back for the first time since March and has hit the ground running in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Wehda after injury cut short his campaign last season. The 32-year-old scored a double in his last outing for his country and has enjoyed a prolific year in Green and Gold, recording four goals and two assists in five appearances.
Aiden O’Neill is back in the Socceroos set-up for the first time since the AFC Asian Cup earlier this year after injury curtailed the end of his debut season in Belgium. However, the 26-year-old has come back stronger, and has since been appointed Standard Liege’s captain. An impressive feat for one of the country’s biggest clubs.
It’s been almost a year since Awer Mabil was in a Socceroos camp and the 28-year-old will be delighted to be back in the fold. The winger has begun the new season well at Grasshopper Zurich which saw him involved in eight of Grasshopper’s nine goals in their 9-0 Swiss Cup rout over Regensdorf – notching an impressive hat-trick and five assists.
Fellow forward Sam Silvera has also been recalled by Arnold having last appeared for the National Team back in March. The 23-year-old also joined Portsmouth in July on a season-long loan from fellow Championship side Middlesbrough.
An impressive season in the J1 League for Albirex Niigata has earned Thomas Deng another Socceroos selection. The versatile defender has been in sound form, helping his side keep three consecutive clean sheets.
Dynamic full-back, Lewis Miller, is also back for Australia after last featuring at the AFC Asian Cup in February. The 24-year-old has made a bright start with Hibernian this season and also scored a brace in the Scottish League Cup.
Potential Debutants
Goalkeeper Paul Izzo is the only player in the squad currently without a Socceroos cap. His impressive form with Melbourne Victory not only earned him a first call-up in nearly three years in June, but he ultimately secured an overseas move to Danish Superliga outfit Randers.
Match Details
Thursday, 5 September 2024
FIFA World Cup 2026™ - Round Three AFC Asian Qualifiers™
Venue: Robina Stadium, Gold Coast
Kick-off: 8:00pm AEST
LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS AVAILABLE: HERE
Tickets: Start from $15 Child, $20 Concession, $29 Adult, and $58 Family. Tickets from Ticketmaster.
Broadcast: 10 Paramount
Indonesia v Subway Socceroos
Tuesday 10 September 2024
Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta
Kick-off: 7.00pm local / 10.00pm AEST
Broadcast: Paramount+