Overview
- Jackson Irvine is confirmed to miss Australia's final two World Cup qualifiers in June due to foot surgery, creating a significant gap in the midfield.
- Coach Tony Popovic is exploring replacement options, monitoring A-League players and Europe-based talents like Max Balard and Nectarios Triantis.
- Australia needs a win or two draws against Japan on June 5 and Saudi Arabia on June 11 to secure direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- The Socceroos are already without key players Harry Souttar and Jordan Bos, compounding the challenge of maintaining squad depth and form.
- A late-May training camp in Abu Dhabi will be used to assess player fitness and finalize the squad for the decisive qualifiers.