Cristian Volpato among the 26-strong Australia squad named by Tony Popovic | FIFA World Cup 2026

Barely a week after pledging his international allegiance to Australia, former Italy youth international Cristian Volpato has been named in his nation's 26-player squad heading to the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

On the books of Serie A side Sassuolo, the 22-year-old - who was born and raised in Sydney - had long been courted by the Socceroos but until last month had consistently declined those overtures.

The attacking midfielder now has a chance to immediately push for a starting role, especially in light of an injury to Riley McGree which ruled the Middlesbrough forward out of head coach Tony Popovic's squad.

Cristian Volpato of US Sassuolo celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Como 1907

Australia's FIFA World Cup 2026™ squad

Goalkeepers

Patrick Beach Paul Izzo Mathew Ryan

Defenders

Aziz Behich Jordan Bos Cameron Burgess Alessandro Circati Milos Degenek Jason Geria Lucas Herrington Jacob Italiano Harry Souttar Kai Trewin

Midfielders

Cameron Devlin Ajdin Hrustic Jackson Irvine Connor Metcalfe Paul Okon-Engstler Aiden O'Neill

Forwards

Nestory Irankunda Mathew Leckie Awer Mabil Mohamed Toure Nishan Velupillay Cristian Volpato Tete Yengi

All squads are provisional until the final list of 26 players is announced by FIFA, following their submission by participating teams, on 2 June.

Herrington and Yengi make the cut, Boyle misses out

Volpato will be joined by another uncapped forward, with Japan-based striker Tete Yengi rewarded for fine form domestically and in the AFC Champions League Elite with Machida Zelvia. 18-year-old central defender Lucas Herrington has come from the clouds to not only secure a squad spot, but also likely a starting role, just three months after he made his Socceroos debut.

Lucas Herrington on the ball for Australia in an international against Mexico

There was though no room for veteran forward Martin Boyle or USA-based defender Kye Rowles, while keeper Joe Gauci and forward Brandon Borello also missed the final cut.