The Socceroos’ Road to the World Cup
The next time the Socceroos take the field, it will be in the United States, where they will face co-hosts Mexico at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles. With the World Cup on the horizon, the excitement is palpable.
After securing victories over Cameroon (1-0) and Curaçao (5-1) in the FIFA Series, the players have returned to their respective clubs. They won’t reunite until their club seasons are over, which means the next few months will be crucial for finalizing the squad.
Tony Popovic took over as head coach 15 months ago, during a period when direct World Cup qualification was in serious danger. Since then, he has guided the team back on track, achieving Australia’s first win over Japan since 2009 and securing the country’s sixth consecutive World Cup appearance.
While the results have been solid, the journey hasn’t always been smooth. Popovic will not announce his final 26-man squad for the World Cup until June 1, two days after their final warm-up match against Mexico. However, a clearer picture of the likely squad is beginning to emerge, with some key considerations:
- Injuries could disrupt plans.
- The balance between defenders, midfielders, and forwards will play a significant role.
- Popovic is known for making unexpected decisions.
Goalkeeper
On the plane:
– Maty Ryan
– Paul Izzo
In the mix:
– Patrick Beach
– Joe Gauci
Maty Ryan, the captain, is expected to start every game at the World Cup. His regular appearances for Levante have kept him sharp, and despite the team’s struggles in La Liga, this has provided him with plenty of playing time. Paul Izzo is the clear second-choice goalkeeper, but the third spot remains contested between Melbourne City’s Patrick Beach and Port Vale’s Joe Gauci. Beach currently holds the advantage.
Central Defenders
On the plane:
– Alessandro Circati
– Cameron Burgess
In the mix:
– Milos Degenek
– Jason Geria
– Lucas Herrington
– Kai Trewin
– Kye Rowles
Outside chance:
– Harry Souttar
Circati and Burgess are certain starters, but the right-back position in the back three is up for grabs. Lucas Herrington, an 18-year-old debutant, showed promise against Cameroon but had vulnerabilities exposed against Curaçao. Milos Degenek and Jason Geria are both strong candidates, but if only six centre-backs are selected, one may have to be left out. Kye Rowles, a left-footer, makes sense in the squad, while Harry Souttar, still recovering from an Achilles injury, needs to build form for Leicester City. Kai Trewin’s versatility adds value, but someone may miss out.
Right Wing-Back
On the plane:
– Jacob Italiano
In the mix:
– Fran Karacic
Outside chance:
– Sam Silvera
With Lewis Miller sidelined due to injury, Jacob Italiano has emerged as a key player. His recent performances for Grazer AK have shown a scoring streak, and he is likely to start. Fran Karacic, a natural right-sided defender, has been sidelined by injury, while Sam Silvera, who plays on the left for Middlesbrough, could fill in but hasn’t impressed recently.
Left Wing-Back
On the plane:
– Jordan Bos
– Aziz Behich
In the mix:
– Callum Elder
This position is the most settled in the team. Jordan Bos, arguably Australia’s best player, continues to improve at Feyenoord, while Aziz Behich brings experience and reliability. Callum Elder is the backup option, but he would only be included if either Bos or Behich were injured.
Central Midfield
On the plane:
– Jackson Irvine
– Aiden O’Neill
In the mix:
– Patrick Yazbek
– Paul Okon-Engstler
– Max Balard
– Alex Robertson
Outside chance:
– Cammy Devlin
– Dylan Scicluna
Jackson Irvine is managing a foot injury, but his continued Bundesliga appearances suggest he is on track for the World Cup. Aiden O’Neill and Patrick Yazbek are strong contenders, while Paul Okon-Engstler’s energy and passing range have caught the coaching staff’s attention. Max Balard has fallen out of favor, while Cammy Devlin has yet to make an impact. Dylan Scicluna, a standout midfielder for Western Sydney Wanderers, could be a wildcard.
Attacking Midfield
On the plane:
– Riley McGree
– Connor Metcalfe
– Nestory Irankunda
– Ajdin Hrustic
In the mix:
– Nishan Velupillay
– Martin Boyle
– Awer Mabil
This position is crucial for how Popovic sets up the team. Riley McGree is a certainty, while Ajdin Hrustic offers a different dynamic. Connor Metcalfe is a dependable attacking option, and Nestory Irankunda’s potential as a game-changer is notable. Nishan Velupillay has yet to disappoint, while Martin Boyle and Awer Mabil may face competition.
Striker
On the plane:
– Mohamed Toure
In the mix:
– Deni Juric
Outside chance:
– Ante Suto
– Mitch Duke
– Nick D’Agostino
Mohamed Toure missed the latest window due to a groin injury but is expected to return. Deni Juric is the leading candidate, but his performance in the FIFA Series was inconsistent. Ante Suto and Nick D’Agostino have struggled with injuries, while Mitch Duke, a veteran, could make a late push with strong performances. Popovic may surprise everyone by selecting someone unexpected.
