Cristian Volpato Switches Allegiance to Australia Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Cristian Volpato has switched his allegiance from Italy to Australia, boosting the Socceroos ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Born in Camperdown, NSW, Volpato previously declined to play for Australia in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, opting for Italy's youth teams instead. Despite representing Italy at under-19, -20, and -21 levels, he never received a full national team call-up.

Football Australia confirmed lodging paperwork with FIFA and receiving a release from the Italian Football Federation. Volpato, currently playing for Sassuolo in Italy, was visited by Socceroos coach Tony Popovic and assistant Paul Okon in March, following his openness to committing to Australia.

Popovic had stated he wouldn’t pressure unsure players, emphasizing the visit was a discussion after Volpato’s overtures. With the World Cup squad submission deadline of June 1, Popovic must decide on Volpato’s inclusion within 48 hours. The Socceroos are set to play Mexico in Los Angeles and then Switzerland in San Diego before the World Cup. Volpato’s late switch makes his selection likely despite uncertainty over featuring in the upcoming friendlies.

This move contrasts with Adrian Segecic, who recently switched from Australia to Croatia.