Socceroos name uncapped attackers in World Cup squad, coach Popovic seeks attacking spark

The Socceroos have named two uncapped attackers in their World Cup squad, as coach Tony Popovic rolls the dice in a bid to find an attacking spark. Winger Cristian Volpato, the former Italy youth international, has been selected after the paperwork allowing his change of allegiance was completed, while towering striker Tete Yengi won a place after a strong year with Japanese club Machida Zelvia.

Coach Tony Popovic had to cut four players from his training squad to meet the 26-player limit. The unfortunate four were goalkeeper Joe Gauci, defender Kye Rowles and forwards Brandon Borrello and Martin Boyle.

Volpato, who was born and raised in Sydney, finally committed to Australia after having snubbed multiple previous attempts to lure him across from Italy, including an invitation from previous coach Graham Arnold to join the squad at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

The 22-year-old arrived at the Socceroos camp at the weekend, but not in time to feature in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Mexico. “There’s a lot of growth and potential still there, which pretty much sums up a lot of our players at the moment,” Popovic said of Volpato.

Popovic said selecting 26 players was not easy. “A range of factors has gone into selecting this final World Cup squad. Some difficult decisions had to be made – that’s the nature of major tournaments,” Popovic said. “But it’s also a credit to all the players involved over the past few weeks who worked extremely hard during an extended and challenging pre-camp.

The omission of Boyle compounds the Socceroos heartbreak for the Scotland-born attacker, who missed the 2022 World Cup through injury. “Left it all out there. Heart and soul. Here’s to 2030,” the 33-year-old said on Instagram, adding an emoji of an old man.

Rowles was another who can count himself unfortunate; the 27-year-old played every match in Qatar four years ago alongside Harry Souttar in defence.

The three omitted outfielders may still be called upon before the first game, as Fifa regulations allow replacing an injured player up until 24 hours before the first match of the tournament. Injured goalkeepers may be replaced at any time during the tournament.

Selection in a second World Cup caps an unlikely comeback for Souttar, who suffered an achilles injury in December 2024 and has only just returned to the field. The 27-year-old provides a physical presence in both penalty areas, highlighted by his improbable international goalscoring rate of better than one every four matches. He was a stand-out on Sunday.

Even more improbable is the rise of Lucas Herrington, who played alongside Souttar against Mexico and who offers the Socceroos another towering central defender. The 18-year-old was playing for Brisbane Roar a year ago, but a move to MLS side Colorado has seen him prove his ability this year against the likes of Leo Messi and Son Heung-min. Assuming he does receive match minutes, Herrington won’t quite break the record of the youngest Australian to play at a World Cup – Garang Kuol was just 18 years and 79 days old in Qatar. But he is part of a young core that provides a sense of excitement in Australian football.

The group includes striker Mo Touré and forward Nestory Irankunda, defender Alessandro Circati and fullback Jordy Bos. All are 23 or under, and all have already proven themselves effective in some of Europe’s toughest leagues. A total of 17 squad members will be at their first World Cup.

“None of these boys are here to ... just sit on the side and not be involved,” Popovic said. “I want them all to give me a headache every week, and I believe in these young boys. I think they should believe in themselves more, and I know that will come with time.

“But they should feel assured and confident that they have a coach that believes in them, and that’s why they’re selected, and they know they are selected for this World Cup. They’re not selected for future ones, they’re selected for this one.”

Their presence in the squad is balanced by veterans Mathew Leckie and Maty Ryan, Jackson Irvine and Aziz Behich.

The A-League Men contingent is made up of Behich, Paul Okon-Engstler, Nishan Velupillay, Patrick Beach and Leckie. Okon-Engstler – son of assistant coach and former Socceroo Paul Okon – has had a taste of European football with Benfica and is likely to attract more interest if he impresses in North America.