Australian National Team Announces Roster for Upcoming Matches
Newly appointed coach Tony Popovic has named his inaugural 26-man squad, featuring a surprise return from international retirement for midfielder Massimo Luongo. The 32-year-old, who won the MVP award at the 2015 Asian Cup, had stepped away from international football late last year.
The team will face China in Adelaide next Thursday and unbeaten group leaders Japan in Saitama on October 15. These crucial matches come after a disappointing start to the third phase of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which has put Australia’s direct qualification prospects at risk.
Joining Luongo on the roster are a trio of Melbourne Victory stars who played under Popovic in the A-League, including Nishan Velupillay, who earns his first call-up to the national team. Daniel Arzani and Jason Geria, who earned his first Australian cap eight years ago, also make the cut.
Popovic emphasized the importance of the team’s preparation time, saying, “This time in camp will be crucial as we lay the foundations that will not only help us succeed in this window but set the tone for our future ambitions.”
The squad will convene in Adelaide from Wednesday, leaving a brief window to prepare for the China match. Injuries to defender Alessandro Circati and striker Kusini Yengi limited Popovic’s selection options. Circati faces a lengthy recovery after tearing his ACL, while Yengi is nursing a groin injury and was already suspended for the China fixture due to a red card.
The full roster is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Maty Ryan, Joe Gauci, Paul Izzo
Defenders: Aziz Behich, Jordy Bos, Cameron Burgess, Thomas Deng, Jason Geria, Lewis Miller, Kye Rowles, Harry Souttar, Gianni Stensness
Midfielders: Keanu Baccus, Ajdin Hrustic, Jackson Irvine, Massimo Luongo, Riley McGree, Connor Metcalfe, Aiden O’Neill
Forwards: Daniel Arzani, Mitchell Duke, Craig Goodwin, Nestory Irankunda, Sam Silvera, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, Nishan Velupillay
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