World Cup 2026

Australia

Socceroos Reborn: Australia's Boldest World Cup Bid in a Generation

Out at the Round of 32FIFA #26Group D — USA · Paraguay · Türkiye

FutAve take

The Story

Under Tony Popovic, Australia have rediscovered their identity — direct, fearless, and brutally efficient. A perfect qualifying record and a historic win over Japan signal this is no also-ran squad. Group D is brutal, but the Socceroos arrive with belief and a point to prove.

How they qualified

Australia secured direct qualification for the first time since 2014, going six from six in Group I with a flawless 22 goals scored and none conceded. The campaign had been in disarray before Popovic steadied the ship, capping an unbeaten run with a statement win over Saudi Arabia in Jeddah. The mood in camp is one of genuine, hard-earned confidence.

Why watch

A team rebuilt from chaos into a cohesive unit, Australia blend battle-hardened veterans with electric young talent. Fixtures against the USA and Türkiye are genuine coin-flips that could go either way, and their fearless pressing style makes every game a spectacle. If they find their rhythm, a deep run is not a fantasy.

Squad spotlight

Players to Know

The Veteran

Mathew Ryan

Mathew Ryan is Australia's last line and long-standing heartbeat between the sticks, now at Levante and approaching what may be his final World Cup.

Why they matter

Ryan's experience and composure are the foundation everything else is built on. In a group containing the USA and Türkiye, Australia will need world-class saves at critical moments, and he has delivered those on the biggest stages before.

Watch for

Watch how Ryan commands his box and organises the defensive line under sustained pressure — his distribution into Popovic's press triggers Australia's transitions and is as important as any save he makes.

The Breakout Candidate

Nestory Irankunda

Watford

Nestory Irankunda is the electric right wing at Watford who has already announced himself at international level with a goal against Türkiye.

Why they matter

Irankunda is the most exciting young talent in this squad and the player opponents least want to face in behind. His goal against Türkiye in qualifying makes the Group D opener against them a genuinely compelling personal storyline.

Watch for

Watch him exploit the space between a full back and a centre back at pace — his ability to run in behind and cut inside makes him a constant threat and a nightmare for high defensive lines.

The Star

Ajdin Hrustic

Ajdin Hrustic is Australia's creative engine in the number ten role, pulling strings for the Socceroos out of Heracles Almelo.

Why they matter

With the number 10 shirt on his back, Hrustic is the player Australia look to when they need to unlock a stubborn defence. His ability to operate in tight spaces and connect midfield to attack is central to how Popovic's side create quality chances.

Watch for

Watch his movement between the lines against the USA's midfield block — if he finds pockets of space and combines with Irankunda and the wide players, Australia can genuinely hurt any team in Group D.

The X-Factor

Harry Souttar

Leicester City

Harry Souttar is a towering presence at the heart of Australia's defence, capable of swinging games at both ends of the pitch for Leicester City.

Why they matter

Souttar's aerial dominance is a weapon from set pieces in both boxes — in a World Cup where margins are razor thin, his ability to defend and threaten at dead balls can be the difference between group-stage exit and a run to the knockouts.

Watch for

Watch him at corners and free kicks in both penalty areas. Australia's set-piece threat through Souttar is one of the most underrated weapons they carry into Group D and beyond.

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