Overview

• Australia's squad for World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia and Bahrain includes four new players, with Max Ballard, Anthony Caceres, Hayden Matthews, and Paul Izzo making their debut.
• Nestory Irankunda, an 18-year-old forward from Bayern Munich, was left out to allow him to settle in Germany, despite his promising performances in previous matches.
• Experienced players like Rhyan Grant, Milos Degenek, and Martin Boyle return to the squad, bringing depth and experience to the team.
• Australia is currently tied with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in Group C, making these qualifiers crucial for securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
• Tony Popovic, who took over as coach in September, emphasizes the importance of these matches and the continued development of the team's playing style.