Australia World Cup 2026 Squad — Players, Manager & Group

Australia in transition — rebuilding under Tony Popovic

Australia go into this World Cup in transition. Graham Arnold left after the 2022 World Cup and Tony Popovic has taken over with a clear rebuilding mandate. Several of the big names from the 2022 squad are gone or fading and this is a younger, less experienced group finding its feet at the biggest tournament on earth.

Mathew Ryan — the experienced anchor this squad needs

Mathew Ryan at 33 remains the undisputed number one and one of the most experienced players in the squad. The former Brighton goalkeeper has been a commanding presence for Australia across multiple tournaments and his experience will be invaluable in a group that includes the USA, Turkey and Paraguay.

Nestory Irankunda — the most exciting young player in Australian football

Nestory Irankunda is the most exciting young player in Australian football and at just 18 has already earned a move to Bayern Munich. He is raw and unpredictable in the best possible way and could be a real handful for defenders who have not studied him carefully.

Group D is genuinely tough — Australia need to be at their best

Group D is genuinely tough. USA as co-hosts will be well organised and motivated. Turkey have Arda Guler and Hakan Calhanoglu. Paraguay are always competitive and physical. Australia will need to be at their best to qualify for the Round of 32.

Popovic demands organisation and effort — but does this squad have the quality?

The Socceroos story has always been about punching above their weight and grinding out results through organisation and effort. Popovic is a manager who demands exactly that from his teams. Whether this squad has the quality to execute his demands against Group D opposition is the key question.

Jackson Irvine — the midfield leader who holds the team together

Jackson Irvine as the senior midfield leader gives Australia experience and work rate in the middle of the park. He is not the most glamorous player but he is exactly the kind of player who can hold a team together when things get difficult.

Who is in Australia's World Cup 2026 squad?

Full 26-man squad listed above including Mathew Ryan and Nestory Irankunda.

Who is Australia's manager at World Cup 2026?

Tony Popovic, who took over after Graham Arnold's departure.

What group are Australia in at World Cup 2026?

Group D with USA, Paraguay and Turkey.

When do Australia play their first World Cup game?

June 13 vs Turkey at BC Place, Vancouver.

Has Australia ever won the World Cup?

No. Their best finish was the round of 16 in 2022 and third place in 2006.