Teague: Irvine's absence provides an opportunity for someone to step up

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Subway Socceroos midfielder Ryan Teague said he was delighted to be back in camp for a second straight window and is looking forward to the challenge of facing Japan in Perth on Thursday night.

Teague spoke to the media in the Western Australian capital ahead of a massive FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualifier.

The 23-year-old Melbourne Victory man was quick to put the A-League Grand Final loss to fierce rivals Melbourne City behind him and said his full focus was on helping the team qualify for the world's biggest tournament. 

Shifting attention from Grand Final defeat to Japan

There's not been too much time to reflect, it's been a short turnaround. Obviously, disappointing to lose the Grand Final. That's threeGrand Finals I've lost in two years while at (Melbourne) Victory. But like I said, I'm here now, I've got to put it behind me. I've got plenty of time later to look back at it and reflect. But my sole focus now is the game against Japan... It's more about seeing what I can do here, how I can help the team the best I can to get the win against Japan. 

Honoured to be back in camp

It sounds cliché, but there's no better thing than to be with your country. I'm super happy to be selected again. And like I said, I'm doing everything possible in terms of what I can do on the field and off the field to help support the boys and get the win on Thursday.

Reflecting on first cap against China PR

I was grateful for the start against China, but I don't try to let the occasion get the best of me. I think I go into each game with the same mindset, wanting to win. You know, no matter who I'm playing against or who I'm playing for, and like I said, I just want to support my teammates out there.

On choosing between Australia and China PR

So my grandfather was born in China. My mum's half Chinese. I'm super proud of my culture and my heritage. But as a kid, my goal and ambition has always been to play for the Socceroos. I think, growing up as a little kid seeing your favourite players put on the green and gold. There's no better feeling. And the fact that I'm in a position now where I could, it was really a no brainer on who to pick.

Expecting against Japan

I think any team Japan puts out is going to be very good, very respectable. But it's about us focusing on the things that we can control, things that we can do in terms of breaking them down, getting a result, not letting them get through.

A very supportive environment

There's a group of diverse and different players in the squad, some with experience, some like myself, who haven't been in here (for long). And I think it's about me learning off people that have been here longer than me, listening and taking their advice. It's a group that always supports each other, and I think the reason that we support each other is the reason that we'll get far.

Jackson Irvine absence provides new opportunity 

He's a figure that's not just super important on the field, but off the field as well. It's unfortunate, it's football - injuries happen. It just means that there's a spot for someone else to step up and take more of that role that Jacko had before. But like you said, he's obviously a super important player and not just player, but person in this squad. But there are other people who can slot into these roles, and it just gives someone else an opportunity to step forward.

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+