Australia’s national soccer team players pose for a team picture during the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers match against Bahrain at Bahrain National Stadium in Riffa, Bahrain on Nov. 19, 2024. (AFP/Mazen Mahdi)
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ustralia coach Tony Popovic rang the changes Friday for the Socceroos' crunch 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers, calling up six uncapped players and turning to two others who have not seen international action since 2022.
The Socceroos sit second in Asian qualifying Group C, behind runaway leaders Japan, on seven points with four games left. The other four teams in the group all have six points, making Australia's clash against Indonesia in Sydney next week and a subsequent match in China critically important.
They need to finish in the top two of the group to guarantee their spot at the 2026 World Cup in North America or potentially face another round of qualifying.
Popovic's hand was forced to some degree by injuries with regulars Harry Souttar, Riley McGree and Jordy Bos among five players from his last squad currently sidelined.
Among the new faces brought in are Hibernian defender Nectarios Triantis and Australian-based trio Alex Grant, Ryan Teague and Kai Trewin.
Popovic has also recalled left back Jason Davidson, a member of their 2015 Asian Cup winning side, and right back Fran Karacic, who was part of their 2022 World Cup squad.
Neither have been part of the Socceroos set-up for three years.
"We understand the importance of these upcoming games and are excited by the opportunity to further cement our position in the group's automatic qualifying positions," said Popovic.
"I'm looking forward to seeing the players and getting the squad together on the pitch in preparation for what will be a great occasion at the Sydney Football Stadium."
