In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Australian football community, Socceroos manager Tony Popovic has made some bold choices in his squad selection for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The most notable omission is that of young gun Nestory Irankunda, who has been turning heads with his performances for Bayern Munich’s reserves. On the other hand, veteran defender Rhyan Grant has earned a surprise recall, despite not having played for the national team since 2021.
Popovic’s New-Look Socceroos
Popovic, who took over as Socceroos manager earlier this year, has made it clear that he is not afraid to shake things up as he looks to guide Australia to the 2026 World Cup. His squad for the upcoming qualifiers features eight changes from the group that secured a win over China and a draw with Japan last month.
Along with Irankunda, midfielder Keanu Baccus, who was a regular starter under former manager Graham Arnold, has also been left out. In their place, Popovic has called up a mix of experienced campaigners and fresh faces.
Grant’s Unexpected Return
Perhaps the most surprising inclusion is that of Sydney FC right-back Rhyan Grant. The 33-year-old hasn’t featured for the Socceroos since their qualifying loss to Japan in 2021, and last year he told reporters that he believed his “ship had sailed” when it came to international football.
I think that ship has sailed.
Rhyan Grant on his international career in 2022
However, Popovic has seen fit to hand Grant an unexpected lifeline, rewarding his consistent performances at club level. Grant will be joined in camp by his Sydney FC teammate Anthony Caceres, who could earn his first Socceroos cap at the age of 32.
Fresh Faces and Returning Stars
Other notable inclusions in Popovic’s squad include:
- 20-year-old defender Hayden Matthews, who receives his first national team call-up
- Former Central Coast Mariners midfielder Max Balard, rewarded for his stellar form with Dutch club NAC Breda
- Defender Milos Degenek, back in the fold after a lengthy injury layoff
- Attacker Martin Boyle, returning from wrist surgery
- Striker Kusini Yengi, who missed the last international window due to suspension and injury
- Western Sydney Wanderers forward Brandon Borrello, who has started the A-League Men season in red-hot form
The Road to 2026
Australia currently sits second in Group C of Asian World Cup qualifying, five points behind leaders Japan but ahead of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain on goal difference. With the top two teams qualifying directly for the 2026 World Cup, these upcoming fixtures against the Saudis and Bahrainis could prove pivotal.
According to a source close to the team, Popovic is keen to implement his own style of play and build a foundation for success throughout this World Cup cycle. The manager stressed the importance of these games in setting the tone for the rest of the campaign.
We’re in the early stages of this journey as a group and we’ll continue to implement the style of play that will be the foundation of our success throughout this cycle.
Tony Popovic, Socceroos manager
With Craig Goodwin suspended for the Saudi Arabia clash, and several other key players missing out through injury or non-selection, it will be intriguing to see how Popovic’s new-look Socceroos fare in these crunch qualifiers. The manager will be hoping that his bold selection choices pay off as Australia looks to take a significant step towards securing their place at the 2026 World Cup.
The Socceroos host Saudi Arabia at Melbourne’s AAMI Park next Thursday before traveling to Riffa to take on Bahrain the following week. With so much at stake, and a host of new faces in the squad, these matches promise to be compelling viewing for Australian football fans.
