Eight players on Tony Popovic's radar to make the Socceroos 26-man 2026 World Cup squad

Tony Popovic has made the promise that “one day Australia will go very far in the World Cup".

“Why not this group?” he added, speaking back in October after the Socceroos qualified for the 2026 tournament that starts on June 12.

Australia’s head coach has until June 1 to submit his final squad to try and fulfil that goal.

He can pick a squad of a maximum of 26 players, including three goalkeepers.

Popovic, who represented his country at the 2006 World Cup, wants Socceroos players to show “toughness”, a “willingness to run and fight”, both traits he hopes will make his side a nightmare to play against.

There are already several certainties in the squad – Alessandro Circati, Jackson Irvine, Matthew Ryan to name just three.

And for anyone wondering who is going to lead the line for the Socceroos, well Mo Toure would be a safe bet. Although he is currently sidelined with a muscle injury and will return just before the tournament.

The extended squad size and an unfortunately growing injury list means there is room in this squad to experiment and bring in some new and exciting additions.

Here are eight players who have been in strong club form and could be picked by Popovic to help the Socceroos “shed that tag of just the underdogs”.

Patrick Beach

With the goalkeeper position nailed on to be captain Matthew Ryan, and the backup likely to be the in-form Paul Izzo, it leaves a third-choice role available for the tournament.

Patrick Beach, at 22 years old is a great choice as it would be an opportunity to get him more tournament experience as it is likely he is going to be part of the next generation.

He was pivotal in Melbourne City’s A League title run last season and that earned him his debut for the Socceroos against Venezuela in 2025. He won player of the match in that game too.

Kai Trewin

Another player to have already impressed Popovic is the adaptable Kai Trewin. The 24-year-old can play across the back line as well as deep in midfield.

Last season Trewin won the A League with Melbourne City, was voted club player of the year and was named in the league’s team of the season. Popovic rewarded him with a Socceroos debut at centre back last November.

He also earned a transfer to MLS side New York City and featured regularly for his club as the World Cup approaches. All of the above points to a call-up.

Jack Iredale

Staying in the defence, uncapped Hibernian centre back Jack Iredale could provide important cover and experience to the World Cup squad.

Iredale's impressive ability to make tackles, hold up the ball and find a pass this season for Hibs has helped his side to a European place on the Scottish premiership table.

He has been on Popovic's radar since making the move to Scotland, and was included in an Australian training camp squad in 2025. With 2022 World Cup hero Harry Souttar still battling an injury, new recruits at the back are needed.

Max Balard

Moving up the pitch to the midfield, a position where Popovic utilises two industrious, versatile players within his 5-4-1 or 5-2-3 formation, the former Central Coast favourite Balard fits the role perfectly.

He is a dynamic defensive midfielder who is known for his ability to play in tight spaces, a box-to-box work rate and he provides stability in front of the defence. 

The 25-year-old has been putting in impressive displays for NAC Breda in the Dutch first division this season, sitting at the top end of most defensive statistics. A Socceroos debut last year suggests he is on the shortlist for the World Cup.

Garang Kuol

Speaking of players who take on defenders, remember Garang Kuol? After joining Sparta Prague in the Czech league, he has once again looked like that player who very nearly scored an equaliser against Argentina four years ago.

Kuol has played 18 times now for the Czech side and managed to grab a goal in the UEFA Conference League. But most importantly the 21-year-old winger looks like he has his exuberance back.

Every Popovic squad needs depth on the wings, especially because he asks so much of the wide players. Kuol would be a good fit to bring off the bench when Connor Metcalfe, Riley McGree or Nestory Irankunda have tired the defenders out.

Sam Silvera

Flexibility is a key pre-requisite for Popovic — he wants players who can play in multiple roles — and Sam Silvera has played at right wing, left wing, right wing back and even as a false nine in the past 12 months.

Plying his trade for promotion-chasing Middlesbrough in the English Championship, he has snagged two goals and two assists in 20 appearances so far this season, most of which have been off the bench.

He is explosive, often described as "silky" but is also strong in defence. Most importantly perhaps is his attitude to play. Silvera has said it is a "privilege" to play for his country and that he always puts the team first.

Lachlan Rose

Moving to the striker options now but starting at home in the A League. Lachlan Rose is pushing for the golden boot this season as he is enjoying career-best form.

The 26-year-old striker has eight goals and has spearheaded the Newcastle Jets to the top of the table. He is tenacious, quick and truly a poacher in front of goal. It would be a hard task to find a more annoying striker for defenders to come up against.

He also fits the mould that Popovic asks for — hard working above all else. With striker options looking limited for the Socceroos, a homegrown talent like Rose would be an exciting addition to the squad.

Zac Sapsford

Over in Scotland, another potential striking option is Zac Sapsford. The former Western Sydney Wanderer made the move to Dundee United last season after a strong season in Australia.

In his first season so far he has bagged eight goals and, speaking in January, said he has his eyes on a World Cup call-up from Popovic. In fairness, the striker position remains a question, so there is room for Sapsford.

He is a physical presence on the field, using his body well to shield the ball, and when you combine that with his quick acceleration and ability to exploit transitions, he really looks like a Popovic-style forward.

The Socceroos have three fixtures ahead of the World Cup in June.

They take on Cameroon on March 27 in Sydney and Curacao on March 31 in Melbourne.

Then on May 30, the Socceroos will face World Cup co-hosts Mexico at the Rose Bowl in California.

Popovic has said there is still time for different or young players to impress before he names his final 26-man squad.

"It is also the last opportunity for players to impress before the final 2026 World Cup squad list must be submitted to FIFA," he said.

However he feels like "someone can surprise us" in the upcoming fixtures and claim a spot in the squad.

"Someone [who] is in good form, playing extremely well … actually bypasses someone else."