Australia at FIFA World Cup 2026 – Player to watch, tactics, predicted playing time XI

Australia have quietly established themselves as one of the best-known faces of the World Cup in recent times. 2026 will mark the sixth time in a row that the Socceroos have become the global showstopper, but this time they will be looking to improve their performance.

It qualified for the Round of 16 in Qatar before being bowled out by Lionel Messi and Argentina, but posted its best performance at a World Cup. Tony Popovic’s side will believe it can repeat that and possibly do better because it has been placed in a group that is likely to be competitive but bereft of traditional big names.

Popovic – who was a strong defender during his playing days – will look to build a side that is resolute and difficult to break. Goalkeeper Mathew Ryan and defenders Harry Souttar and Alessandro Circati are battle-worn, while left back Jordan Bos has performed impressively for Feyenoord.

However, the team has been crippled (in more ways than one) by a spate of injuries. Middlesbrough forward Riley McGree is missing as a main name, while the likes of Nicholas D’Agostino, Patrick Yazbek and Lewis Miller are all also on the injury bench.

Things have received a shot in the arm with the arrival of Sassuolo winger Cristian Volpato, who has decided to head to Australia instead of Italy.

The 22-year-old will be looking to form a powerful combination with some of the exciting young players Australia has in the future, including Norwich City’s Mohamed Toure and Watford (and former Bayern Munich) winger Nestory Irankunda, as well as the immensely experienced Matthew Leckie.

Player to watch out for: Mathew Ryan (Australia)

Australia was hit by injuries ahead of the World Cup, making the experience of captain and goalkeeper Mathew Ryan all the more important. Ryan, who has a wealth of experience in European football, will be a crucial figure in the Australian net.

Manager: Tony Popovic

One of Tony Popovic’s last acts in international football as a player was helping Australia qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and twenty years later he will manage them as a manager.

The former Crystal Palace defender took over from long-time manager Graham Arnold and will want to help his country take the next step forward.

Published on June 6, 2026