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Australia’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are progressing steadily as head coach Tony Popovic finalises his squad ahead of the summer tournament to be held across North America.

With the World Cup fast approaching, the window for players to impress Popovic has now closed. The Socceroos’ 2026 campaign will mark their sixth consecutive appearance at football’s biggest event, and they will aim to build upon their 2022 Qatar performance, where they reached the round of 16. However, given the limited depth compared to some other contenders, the challenge remains significant.

Australia’s schedule includes friendlies against Cameroon and Curacao in March, followed by a final warm-up match against co-hosts Mexico in May. Although they may not be considered favourites to top their group, the Socceroos are confident of advancing beyond the group stage.

Qualification was achieved comfortably, with Australia losing only once across both AFC qualification rounds, finishing just behind Japan, who were the first team from Asia to clinch a World Cup berth.

Their recent Asia Cup showing was less impressive, as they were eliminated in the quarter-finals for the second consecutive edition. Nevertheless, their performance in Qatar 2022, where they equalled their best-ever finish before losing to eventual champions Argentina, remains a source of optimism.

Drawn into a highly competitive Group D, Australia will face the United States, Paraguay, and Turkey. With an experienced roster, they are expected to be a tough opponent for any side in the group.

Popovic’s selection draws heavily from both the A-League and European competitions. Among the younger stars, Watford’s Nestroy Irankunda stands out as one of the most talented prospects, eager to make a lasting impression this summer.

Goalkeepers: Mathew Ryan (Levante), Paul Izzo (Randers), Patrick Beach (Melbourne City)

Defenders: Milos Degenek (APOEL), Jacob Italiano (Grazer AK), Jordan Bos (Feyenoord), Kai Trewin (New York City), Aziz Behich (Melbourne City), Jason Geria (Albirex Niigata), Cameron Burgess (Swansea City), Alessandro Circati (Parma), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Kye Rowles (D.C. United)

Midfielders: Connor Metcalfe (FC St. Pauli), Ajdin Hrustic (Heracles Almelo), Aiden O'Neill (New York City), Riley McGree (Middlesbrough), Patrick Yazbek (Nashville SC), Paul Okon-Engstler (Sydney FC), Alex Robertson (Cardiff City)

Forwards: Martin Boyle (Hibernian), Nestroy Irankunda (Watford), Nishan Velupillay (Melbourne Victory), Awer Mabil (Castellon), Deni Juric (Wisla Plock), Ante Suto (Hibernian)

Upcoming Fixtures:

May 30, 2026: Mexico vs Australia, Rose Bowl, Pasadena, United States

June 03, 2026: Netherlands vs Australia, De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands

June 14, 2026: Australia vs Turkey, BC Place, Vancouver, Canada

June 19, 2026: United States vs Australia, Lumen Field, Seattle, United States

June 26, 2026: Paraguay vs Australia, Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, United States

Recent Results:

March 31, 2026: Australia 5-1 Curacao, AAMI Park, Melbourne

March 27, 2026: Australia 1-0 Cameroon, Accor Stadium, Sydney

November 18, 2025: Colombia 3-0 Australia, Citi Field, New York City

November 14, 2025: Venezuela 1-0 Australia, Shell Energy Stadium, Houston

October 14, 2025: United States 2-1 Australia, Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City

October 10, 2025: Canada 0-1 Australia, Saputo Stadium, Montreal

September 09, 2025: New Zealand 1-3 Australia, Go Media Stadium, Auckland

September 05, 2025: Australia 1-0 New Zealand, GIO Stadium, Canberra

June 10, 2025: Saudi Arabia 1-2 Australia, King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah

June 05, 2025: Australia 1-0 Japan, HBF Park, Perth

March 25, 2025: China 0-2 Australia, Youth Football Stadium, Qingdao

March 20, 2025: Australia 5-1 Indonesia, Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Australia have been placed in Group D for the World Cup 2026.

Those familiar with Crystal Palace will remember Tony Popovic, who took charge of the Australian national team in September 2024. The former defender made over 120 appearances for the Eagles, including 21 in the Premier League during the 2005-06 season.

After serving as assistant manager under Dougie Freedman, Popovic began his managerial career in 2012 as the inaugural head coach of Western Sydney Wanderers.

Although Nestroy Irankunda has only nine caps for the national team, his influence could be crucial to Australia’s success next summer. The 19-year-old is widely regarded as one of the country’s most promising talents, known for his exceptional set-piece ability. This season, he scored two stunning free-kick goals for Watford in consecutive Championship matches.

Irankunda previously featured in Bayern Munich’s setup but never made a first-team appearance, despite being named on the bench multiple times by manager Vincent Kompany.