FIFA World Cup 2026 — Volpato makes late move from Italy to Australia ahead of World Cup selection

Former Italy Under-20 international Cristian Volpato has decided to represent Australia and will attend the Soccerroos training camp in Los Angeles ahead of the World Cup, Football Australia said on Friday.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, a dual national born and raised in Sydney, plays for Sassuolo in Serie A.

He turned down a chance to play for Australia at the 2022 World Cup, and a different approach from Australian coach Tony Popovic earlier this year appeared to backfire when Volpato said he was happy to «wait for Italy».

Football Australia said it had received a release letter from its Italian counterpart and had submitted paperwork to FIFA for “approval of the association change to ratify Volpato’s decision to switch allegiance to Australia”.

“Once approved, Volpato will be eligible to officially represent the Socceroos,” the governing body said in a statement.

The news comes days after Australia lost playmaker Riley McGree for the tournament due to a hamstring injury he suffered while playing for English club Middlesbrough.

Popovic will name his final 26-man squad on Monday for the June 11 to July 19 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Australia will play Turkey, USA and Paraguay in the opening round group stage, kicking off their campaign against the Turks in Vancouver on June 13.

Published on May 29, 2026