Australia, known as the Socceroos, will once again compete on football’s biggest stage at the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted across the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Having reached the Round of 16 in 2022, Australia enters this edition with more experience and a squad that blends youth with veteran leadership.
Australia’s Journey in the FIFA World Cup
In Qatar 2022, Australia impressed by defeating Denmark and Tunisia in the group stage, despite an opening loss to France. Their spirited performance against eventual champions Argentina in the Round of 16 highlighted the growth of the team, narrowly losing 2-1. That campaign has inspired a new generation of players who will now carry the country’s hopes in 2026.
Goalkeepers: Strong Defensive Foundation
The goalkeeper position remains a strength for the Socceroos:
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Mathew Ryan | AS Roma |
| Joe Gauci | Aston Villa |
| Patrick Beach | Melbourne City |
| Tom Glover | Middlesbrough |
| Paul Izzo | Randers FC |
- Mathew Ryan brings unmatched World Cup experience, already representing Australia in three tournaments.
- Joe Gauci, developing at Aston Villa, adds young energy and will be a solid backup.
- Options like Tom Glover and Paul Izzo provide squad depth.
Defenders: Reliable Backline
Australia’s defense is a mix of European-based professionals and A-League talents:
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Alessandro Circati | Parma |
| Harry Souttar | Leicester City |
| Cameron Burgess | Swansea |
| Jordan Bos | Westerlo |
| Aziz Behich | Melbourne City |
| Kye Rowles | DC United |
| Milos Degenek | TSC |
| Lewis Miller | Hibernian FC |
| Kasey Bos | Mainz |
| Ryan Strain | Dundee United |
- Harry Souttar stands out as a towering presence, dangerous in both defense and attack.
- Alessandro Circati and Cameron Burgess bring European tactical discipline.
- Veterans like Aziz Behich add width and experience.
Midfielders: Balance of Creativity and Control
The midfield unit features both defensive anchors and attacking creators:
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Ryan Teague | KV Mechelen |
| Riley McGree | Middlesbrough |
| Aiden O’Neill | NYC FC |
| Anthony Caceres | Macarthur FC |
| Patrick Yazbek | Nashville |
| Nestory Irankunda | Bayern Munich |
| Alex Robertson | Cardiff City |
- Ryan Teague and Aiden O’Neill will shield the backline and dictate tempo.
- Riley McGree and Anthony Caceres add creativity going forward.
- Rising star Nestory Irankunda of Bayern Munich represents the exciting future of Australian football.
Attackers: Firepower and Depth
Australia’s attack is built around proven scorers and emerging talents:
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Martin Boyle | Hibernian FC |
| Connor Metcalfe | St. Pauli |
| Jamie Maclaren | ATK Mohun Bagan |
| Mitchell Duke | Machida Zelvia |
| Mohamed Toure | Randers FC |
| Daniel Arzani | Ferencvaros |
| Brandon Borrello | Western Sydney |
- Martin Boyle brings experience and leadership on the wing.
- Mitchell Duke is a proven target man up front.
- Jamie Maclaren and Mohamed Toure add finishing ability and pace.
- Daniel Arzani, still only in his mid-20s, offers flair and creativity.
See the full list of qualified teams and their paths to the tournament
Conclusion
The Australia squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 showcases a well-rounded team with experienced leaders and promising youngsters. With Mathew Ryan in goal, Harry Souttar anchoring defense, Teague and O’Neill controlling midfield, and attackers like Boyle, Duke, and Arzani, the Socceroos look prepared to make their mark once again on football’s grandest stage.
Australia’s combination of discipline, teamwork, and fresh talent ensures that they remain a competitive force at the World Cup, aiming to carry forward the momentum from their impressive 2022 campaign.