2026 World Cup Squad

[patjennings]

I don't really think they lack X-factor. I think Bos, Touré, Irankunda, McGree and hopefully Volpato all add X-factor in the final third. I think Okon and Scicluna's ability to break lines can unlock that. At the last World Cup, with a much weaker squad, we were able to threaten and beat strong teams. I am confident we can do better in terms of performances, and hopefully in terms of results, at this World Cup.

Toure, Irankunda and McGree have some of it. Bos im my mind will be a sub - not a starter. We are playing a level up and while Miller was solid (but know injured) Bos was always going to be a target for opposing teams. He is someone you bring on with 20 mins to go when chasing a game, and probably at LW not LWB. Okon (the time will come) and Scicluna (the time may come) do not off anything near as much as many others is in front of them. Okon shows a bit at Sydney FC - but nothing that screams pick me now - more I'm young and green but I probably deserve my spot at Sydney FC.

I just cannot see that Balard isn't superior to both individually as a more complete footballer and as a better foil for Irvine. Balard has been there and done that in terms of breaking lines, more in terms of a quick turn and acceleration before a smart forward looking pass that unerring finds its outlet, rather than a maisy run from midfield that sometimes leads to a good pass.

 

[HonestSpursFan]

Toure, Irankunda and McGree have some of it. Bos im my mind will be a sub - not a starter. We are playing a level up and while Miller was solid (but know injured) Bos was always going to be a target for opposing teams. He is someone you bring on with 20 mins to go when chasing a game, and probably at LW not LWB. Okon (the time will come) and Scicluna (the time may come) do not off anything near as much as many others is in front of them. Okon shows a bit at Sydney FC - but nothing that screams pick me now - more I'm young and green but I probably deserve my spot at Sydney FC.

I just cannot see that Balard isn't superior to both individually as a more complete footballer and as a better foil for Irvine. Balard has been there and done that in terms of breaking lines, more in terms of a quick turn and acceleration before a smart forward looking pass that unerring finds its outlet, rather than a maisy run from midfield that sometimes leads to a good pass.

I can’t see a world in which Jordy Bos doesn’t start for the Socceroos.

 

[patjennings]

I can’t see a world in which Jordy Bos doesn’t start for the Socceroos.

You might not. but if I'm Turkey, the US or Paraguay he is the guy you target. The same way that the slow turning CBs like Ream and Richards are the weak spot for the US for quick vertical passes to the likes of Toure and Irankunda. The Australlian game plan will undoubtedly be counter-attacking with a strong defence and quick vertical threats going forward wit players like McGree adding creativity.

 

[onedaywinners...]

You might not. but if I'm Turkey, the US or Paraguay he is the guy you target. The same way that the slow turning CBs like Ream and Richards are the weak spot for the US for quick vertical passes to the likes of Toure and Irankunda.

If opposition are going to target Bos imagine what they are going to do to our mate Aziz...

 

[patjennings]

If opposition are going to target Bos imagine what they are going to do to our mate Aziz...

at LB defensively it is more Farrell >> Rowles>>Behich>>Bos. Going forward its probably Bos>>>>>Behich>>Farrell>>Rowles

Edit. Callum Elder was not originally put in the while comparing above. In my mind he is a competent professional that probably fits in the middle of both defensive and attacking traits. For that reason I still think that Farrell, the better defender is better paired with Bos the better attacker. Purely selection for each game should be horses for courses. If Bos is likely to be able to get forward to attack the right defence of a side he gets the gig every time. If he is up against a quality RM/RW and will struggle to commit going forward go with the best defender.

 

[Quicky]

at LB defensively it is more Farrell >> Rowles>>Behich>>Bos. Going forward its probably Bos>>>>>Behich>>Farrell>>Rowles

Edit. Callum Elder was not originally put in the while comparing above. In my mind he is a competent professional that probably fits in the middle of both defensive and attacking traits. For that reason I still think that Farrell, the better defender is better paired with Bos the better attacker. Purely selection for each game should be horses for courses. If Bos is likely to be able to get forward to attack the right defence of a side he gets the gig every time. If he is up against a quality RM/RW and will struggle to commit going forward go with the best defender.

Bos is fantastic defensively. I have no concerns with him.

 

[patjennings]

Bos is fantastic defensively. I have no concerns with him.

While not ideal using AI


Jacob Farrell: Now back on loan at Western Sydney Wanderers from Portsmouth, Farrell is the standout defensive specialist. In his 2023/24 breakout season, he was a key "lock-down" defender for Central Coast Mariners, averaging higher successful tackle and interception rates than the veterans. While his 2024–2025 stint at Portsmouth was limited by knee and groin injuries, his return to fitness makes him the most reliable "pure" defender in a 1v1 scenario.

Kye Rowles: Rowles remains a top defensive pick due to his versatility. For D.C. United, he has maintained an elite 94%–95% pass completion rate and is frequently used as a defensive anchor when the team shifts into a back three.

Callum Elder: A balanced option for Derby County, Elder is a reliable Championship-level defender. He recorded 51 tackles in the 2024/25 season and is preferred for his positional discipline over more aggressive attacking options.

Aziz Behich: The Melbourne City veteran brings experience but is more vulnerable defensively than Farrell or Rowles. His 56.3% tackle success rate reflects a style that prioritises ball progression and overlapping runs over defensive containment.

Jordan Bos: Bos is the least "defensive" of the group. Now at Feyenoord (following a transfer from Westerlo), his value lies in elite attacking output—recording 3 goals and 4 assists in the early 2025/26 Eredivisie season. He is often played as a wing-back or even a winger, making him a secondary choice if the priority is strictly defensive solidity.



Attack

Jordan Bos: The clear leader in offensive contribution. Now a key figure for Feyenoord in the Eredivisie, Bos has recorded 3 goals and 8 assists across 27 appearances. His "world-class" attacking profile includes creating 23 goal-scoring chances and maintaining a high volume of successful dribbles (30) and crosses.

Callum Elder: Occupying a highly progressive role for Derby County in the EFL Championship, Elder has provided 1 goal and 5 assists. He is particularly dangerous from set-pieces, including a direct free-kick goal earlier this season.

Aziz Behich: The Melbourne City captain remains a consistent contributor in the A-League Men, recording 2 goals and 1 assist. While his assist numbers are lower this season compared to his peak, he continues to get forward frequently, averaging nearly one shot per game.

Jacob Farrell: Primarily a defensive specialist, Farrell has had a quiet offensive season following injuries and a mid-season loan move to Western Sydney Wanderers. He currently has 0 goals and 0 assists in his limited A-League appearances this season.

Kye Rowles: Playing as a disciplined, modern centre-back for D.C. United, Rowles has 0 goals and 0 assists. His attacking value is found in his elite 94% passing accuracy and build-up play rather than direct goal involvement.

2025/2026 Offensive Performance Comparison

Player	Team	Goals	Assists	Chances Created
Jordan Bos	Feyenoord	3	8	23
Callum Elder	Derby County	1	5	0
Aziz Behich	Melbourne City	2	2	0
Jacob Farrell	WSW	0	0	0
Kye Rowles	D.C. United	0	0	0

 

[JS96]

at LB defensively it is more Farrell >> Rowles>>Behich>>Bos. Going forward its probably Bos>>>>>Behich>>Farrell>>Rowles

Edit. Callum Elder was not originally put in the while comparing above. In my mind he is a competent professional that probably fits in the middle of both defensive and attacking traits. For that reason I still think that Farrell, the better defender is better paired with Bos the better attacker. Purely selection for each game should be horses for courses. If Bos is likely to be able to get forward to attack the right defence of a side he gets the gig every time. If he is up against a quality RM/RW and will struggle to commit going forward go with the best defender.

I understand people's assessment that Elder was tame in the South American games but there were signs of what he does well regularly against Venezuela.

How can we reduce someone's contribution down to 2 games while others have had over 80 with only a handful being decent?

Elder can play that high up too that he could even used as a LW with all that defensive skill and fitness. I've seen clubs do it where skilled wing backs are played as wingers and it helps smother the opponent build up.

 

[patjennings]

I understand people's assessment that Elder was tame in the South American games but there were signs of what he does well regularly against Venezuela.

How can we reduce someone's contribution down to 2 games while others have had over 80 with only a handful being decent?

Elder can play that high up too that he could even used as a LW with all that defensive skill and fitness. I've seen clubs do it where skilled wing backs are played as wingers and it helps smother the opponent build up.

To be honest that is how I would play Bos - with Farrell and Elder the nominal LWBs. Of course if you come up against a minnow Bos gets the gig at LWB or you think you can win but need to bolster GD.

The squad is not about game management it is about tournament management.

 

[dr. bellows]

Yeah, Suto is eligible through having a parent born in Australia (see his recent interview - on Football 360, I think it was).

Has never played international football, including Friendlies, for any nation. If Australia want him, all they have to do is select him. I don't think Croatia are interested but since his move to Scotland, maybe they might become more so.

Thanks

 

[Decentric]

I understand people's assessment that Elder was tame in the South American games but there were signs of what he does well regularly against Venezuela.

How can we reduce someone's contribution down to 2 games while others have had over 80 with only a handful being decent?

Elder can play that high up too that he could even used as a LW with all that defensive skill and fitness. I've seen clubs do it where skilled wing backs are played as wingers and it helps smother the opponent build up.

Haven’t seen enough minutes of Elder to formulate an opinion.

My Paramount replay cut out at 55 mins just after he came on against Colombia. It has never reappeared. Things went pear shaped for Aus from then on.

 

[Quicky]

Haven’t seen enough minutes of Elder to formulate an opinion.

My Paramount replay cut out at 55 mins just after he came on against Colombia. It has never reappeared. Things went pear shaped for Aus from then on.

Its so weird that happened. They still have the mini match up. You should email them.

 

[Decentric]

Its so weird that happened. They still have the mini match up. You should email them.

I should.

Is a response likely?

 

[Quicky]

I should.

Is a response likely?

I doubt it actually.

 

[Quicky]

Soccerwho's podcast raised Borges-Rodrigues as a RWB option. Apparently playing RWB at Wigan.

 

[Pasquali]

 

[HonestSpursFan]

Welcome home Cris!

 

[Bbouy]

Tbh though, he regularly likes Socceroos instagram posts when his friends such as Circati, Robertson, Nestor etc are posted.

The fact that Aussiescout is pushing that narrative more so tells me that there are whispers and knowledge that he'll commit to the march window. Anyways, we will find out in a few weeks. Hoping to see Sapsford, Robertson and Segecic too.

 

[NoMates]

With all our good players out injured, can only see Poppa using A-League players for the up coming friendlys. As it stands right now with our squad we will be just making up the numbers at the World Cup. Our best outcome would be to score 1 goal in the 3 matches and only have narrow losses as a win or a draw are out of the question.
Oh well it was good why it lasted. World Cup will be pretty much warm up games before the Asian Cup and that’s alright considering our squad is pretty weak and they can use the games as a learning experience.

 

[grazorblade]

Tbh though, he regularly likes Socceroos instagram posts when his friends such as Circati, Robertson, Nestor etc are posted.

The fact that Aussiescout is pushing that narrative more so tells me that there are whispers and knowledge that he'll commit to the march window. Anyways, we will find out in a few weeks. Hoping to see Sapsford, Robertson and Segecic too.

Long time no see!

Man would love a squad with volpato robbo sega and sapsford