Squad notes: Two potential debutants, five return for FIFA World Cup 2026™

CommBank Socceroos Head Coach Tony Popovic has named a 26-player squad to compete at the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

• READ MORE: CommBank Socceroos squad named for FIFA World Cup 2026™

There are seven changes from the squad that competed in the FIFA Series 2026™ in March. Cristian Volpato and Tete Yengi have been called up for the first time, Harry Souttar and Matthew Leckie both return after long absences, and Jackson Irvine, Mohamed Toure and Cameron Devlin return.

Meanwhile, there are 17 players who are heading to their maiden FIFA World Cup™, with nine in the current having previously been selected for the major tournament. Maty Ryan and Mathew Leckie will be going to the showpiece event for the fourth time - equalling Tim Cahill and Mark Milligan.

Moreover, Jackson Irvine, Aziz Behich and Milos Degenek will be heading to their third edition.

Read an overview of some of the changes from the last squad below.

First time call-ups

Cristian Volpato

22-year-old Cristian Volpato receives his first call-up for the senior national team for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Born and raised in Sydney, the prodigious talent moved to Roma in 2020 where he made his Serie A debut in December 2021, aged 18. He has since moved to Sassuolo where he has made 64 appearances for the club. He was a part of their Serie B winning side in 2024/25.

He is an attacking midfielder or winger who will bring flair and quality to the front line.

Tete Yengi

Tete Yengi has been rewarded for fine form with J1 League club Machida Zelvia with his first ever CommBank Socceroos call-up - and what a time to earn it.

The 25-year-old was born and raised in Adelaide alongside older brother and 11-time Socceroo Kusini. He got his professional start at the Newcastle Jets before transferring to Livingston in Scotland in 2024, via a stint at Ipswich Town.

Standing at nearly two metres tall, the out-and-out striker will add a different dimension to the Socceroos attack.

Returning players

Harry Souttar

Defender Harry Souttar returns for his second World Cup after battling through a sustained period of injury that began in December 2024.

The 27-year-old brings immense quality and experience to the back line that will be invaluable for the squad. He is certainly no stranger to overcoming injuries to make it in time for the global finals - his memorable performances in Qatar 2022 after recovering from an ACL injury helped instil faith that he would have the required match fitness for the global finals.

His appearance in the friendly against Mexico was his first for the national team since November 2024.

Mathew Leckie

Mathew Leckie is set for one last dance with the national team at the World Cup, with the 35-year-old attacker making a remarkable comeback to be part of hte final squad.

The pre-tournament friendly against Mexico was Leckie's first appearance in a Socceroos jersey since June 2024. It comes after a series of injuries and setbacks, most recently undergoing hip surgery in December 2025. However, he caught the eye of Head Coach Tony Popovic in his performances for Melbourne City this season.

“His experience... a young player can’t do that yet. That’s the difference, and that’s what you need at a World Cup," Popovic said.

Jackson Irvine

Midfielder Jackson Irvine returns after missing the FIFA Series 2026™ due to injury management.

The 33-year-old plies his trade for St Pauli in Germany and said it was a "joy to be back" after only being part of one international window in the past twelve months.

A leader within the squad, his experience will be vital as the team looks to take on the challenges ahead.

Mohamed Toure

Mohamed Toure is back after missing the March Window through injury. The forward hit the ground running since his mid-season switch the Championship with Norwich City. He became the fastest Norwich player in 67 years to score 10 goals for the club and will be a vital asset in attack for the Socceroos leading the line most likely. 

This will be the 22-year-old's first major tournament for his country and has two goals and nine caps to his name since debuting against England in October 2023.

Cameron Devlin

Midfielder Cammy Devlin has earned his place in the World Cup squad after starring for Hearts this season in their remarkable Scottish Premier League campaign.

The 27-year-old debuted for Australia ahead of Qatar 2022. He was selected for the final squad in that tournament but play any minutes. He will be hoping to debut at a global finals this campaign.

He last appeared in a Socceroos squad in November 2025.

UPCOMING MATCHES

Australia vs Switzerland