Australia Names Four Debutants for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers

Coach Tony Popovic drops Bayern's Nestory Irankunda to focus on his development, as Socceroos aim to secure top spot in Group C.

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.