Socceroos Include Three Uncapped Centre Backs in World Cup Qualifier Squad

This Friday, Australia’s head coach Tony Popovic announced a 26-man squad for the pivotal 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Indonesia and China, featuring six uncapped players, including three central defenders.

The Socceroos are set to face Indonesia in Sydney next Thursday, followed by a match against China in Hangzhou five days later. Wins in both matches are critical if they are to secure the second automatic qualification spot for the finals from Group C, currently led by the dominant Japan.

With central defenders Harry Souttar and Hayden Matthews both sidelined for the season due to injury, Popovic has invited Kai Trewin, Alex Grant, and Nectarios Triantis into the squad.

Goalkeeper Mat Ryan is expected to make his 97th and 98th appearances for the national team. However, a hip injury has ruled out his usual backup, Joe Gauci, leaving uncapped keepers Paul Izzo and Tom Glover vying for a place on the bench.

Ryan Teague, who plays in the A-League, is another uncapped addition to the squad, competing with Aiden O’Neill for the holding midfielder position, although Triantis can also fill that role at his club, Hibernian, in Scotland.

In terms of attacking options, 31-year-old striker Adam Taggart has been recalled, but there was no spot in the squad for fellow veteran Mitch Duke or promising teenager Nestory Irankunda.

Since taking over late last year after a challenging start to the third round of Asian qualifying under former coach Graham Arnold, Popovic is acutely aware of the significance of these matches for Australia’s hopes of automatic qualification.

“The beginning of my tenure with the national team was a whirlwind, and since November, we’ve had the opportunity to review all aspects of our programme in preparation for these qualifiers,” he stated.

“We recognise how crucial these upcoming games are and are eager to solidify our position in the automatic qualifying spots within the group.”

Currently, Australia sits second in Group C, trailing Japan by nine points but one point ahead of Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and China, with four matches still to play in the campaign.

If the Socceroos fail to secure an automatic berth, they still have the chance to qualify for a sixth consecutive finals through a fourth round of qualifying and intercontinental playoffs.