Vancouver: Was your last Socceroos game a heartbreaking defeat in the early hours of Sunday morning three years ago when Australia lost 2-1 to champions Argentina? Or maybe you’ve fallen in love with the game more recently thanks to the Matildas’ 2023 World Cup at home?
Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know about the Australian football team ahead of the game against Turkey at 2pm tonight.
Captain
This will be the Socceroos captain Matt RyanA fourth World Cup, meaning he and teammate Mathew Leckie will equal the record held by former teammates Tim Cahill and Mark Milligan for most appearances at the tournament. Born in Plumpton in Sydney’s west, Ryan has been the national team’s top scorer for more than a decade, playing every match at the 2015 Australian AFC Asian Cup, but was largely left out. Tony Popovic he took the position in October 2024. Popovic’s decision came because he was not getting regular playing time with Roma of the Italian Premier League, so the goalkeeper moved to the La Liga club. Raise you upwhere he starred this season.
That coach
Popovic is set to become the first Australian to play for and coach the national team at the World Cup – something he is well aware of. “I am often reminded,” says the man known as “Poppa”.
A consistent defender during his time in England with Crystal Palace, the 52-year-old was part of Australia’s Golden Generation that ended their World Cup drought by qualifying for the 2006 tournament.
He was the first coach of the Western Sydney Wanderers, leading the club to win the AFC Champions League – the first and only Australian team to do so – and had spells at other A-League clubs, had two very short spells in Europe, before becoming Socceroos coach in 2024 and saving Australia’s qualifying campaign as they struggled. As serious as he is, he is also known for his strict tactics (he has banned pasta sauce and lollies from the Socceroos camp). He has been given a vote of confidence by his the contract has just been extended until next year’s Asian Cup.
A gun
Jordy Bos He is arguably Australia’s best and most in-form player going into this tournament. Born in Melbourne’s western suburbs, he helped Melbourne City win two A-League titles before being sacked to pursue a career in Europe. He plays for Dutch club Feyenoord, which until recently was managed by former Arsenal and Manchester United player Robin van Persie. Bos may not last long either – his representatives have been in England, to lay the groundwork with Premier League clubs for future transfer discussions. He is a very modern winger, known for his pace and skill – expect him to be a threat to opposition defenses this tournament.
The veteran
If you were watching the Socceroos in Qatar in 2022, it was Matthew Leckie who scored that famous solo goal against Denmark to give Australia a 1-0 win and send the team into the round of 16 for only the second time. Leckie will make his fourth World Cup appearance, although it wasn’t a sure thing – he managed just six appearances for Melbourne City last season after undergoing hip surgery, but at 35 the striker has done enough to convince Popovic he deserves his place in the team.
The ones to watch
This Australian team is full of young and fresh talent. There is a feeling that the core of this 26-man squad will go on to represent the Socceroos at the next two World Cups – with eight players aged 23 or under and 17 playing in their tournament debut this time. Nestory Irankunda20, is the best player, known for his strength, speed and ability to score long distances”bangers“.
Mo Touré22, he just came out breakout season with Norwich City in England where he scored 10 goals in 12 games. Then there is the prodigal son, Cristian Volpato, who was born in Sydney, represented Italy as a teenager, but made an 11th hour decision change allegiance for the Socceroos a few days before the squad was announced. In defense, Lucas Herringtonat the age of 18, he is the youngest Socceroo at this World Cup and the 11th youngest at the tournament. He has been playing in North America with MLS club Colorado Rapids, yet he has not made a mistake in his four matches for the Socceroos so far. attracted attention of football giants Barcelona FC.
Nick Ralston is deputy editor and investigative editor of The Sydney Morning Herald. He has previously spent time as news editor, rights editor and world editor.Connect through X or email address.
