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2026 World Cup Squad

Quicky said:
It's hard to pick this far out but my early picks.

Forwards (7)
[ ] CF: Mohamed Toure
[ ] CF: Kusini Yengi
[ ] CF: [Most in form from the rest]
[ ] RF: Martin Boyle
[ ] RF: Nestory Irankunda
[ ] LF: Craig Goodwin
[ ] LF: Riley McGree

Midfielders (7)
[ ] CM: Jackson Irvine
[ ] CM: Nectarios Triantis
[ ] CM: Max Balard
[ ] CM: Massimo Luongo
[ ] CM: Connor Metcalfe
[ ] CM: Alex Robertson
[ ] CAM: Adrian Segecic

Defenders (9)
[ ] CB: Harry Souttar
[ ] CB: Alessandro Circati
[ ] CB: Cameron Burgess
[ ] CB: Hayden Matthews
[ ] CB: Jacob Farrell
[ ] RWB: Daniel Bennie
[ ] RWB: Ryan Strain
[ ] LWB: Jordan Bos
[ ] LWB: Kasey Bos

Goalkeepers (3)
[ ] GK: Mat Ryan
[ ] GK: Joe Gauci
[ ] GK: Paul Izzo

The depth is interesting:

Forwards (7)
[ ] CF: Noah Botic
[ ] CF: Zachary Sapsford
[ ] CF: Thomas Waddingham
<Stama, Iredale, Duke, Carter>
[ ] RF: Nicolas Milanovic
[ ] RF: Marco Tilio
<Volpato, Mabil, Drew>
[ ] LF: Sam Silvera
[ ] LF: Daniel Arzani

Midfielders (7)
[ ] CM: Ryan Teague
[ ] CM: Aiden O'Neill
[ ] CM: Josh Nisbet
[ ] CM: Ajdin Hrustic
[ ] CM: Anthony Kalik
[ ] CM: Cameron Devlin
[ ] CM: Patrick Yazbek
<Baccus, Francois, Genreau, Okon, Nieuwenhof, Watts, Hollman>

Defenders (9)
[ ] CB: Kye Rowles
[ ] CB: Milos Degenek
[ ] CB: Jason Geria
[ ] CB: Fran Karacic
[ ] CB: Jack Iredale
<Kikianis>
[ ] RWB: Lewis Miller
[ ] RWB: Kealey Adamson
[ ] LWB: Aziz Behich
[ ] LWB: Callum Elder

Goalkeepers (3)
[ ] GK: Lawrence Thomas
[ ] GK: Dylan Peraic-Cullen
[ ] GK: Ashley Maynard-Brewer
Click to expand...
I think this was my first squad pick with a depth chart. Injuries, form and dual national losses have taken a toll. A few players were not on my radar at all: Herrington, Suto, Beach.
 
This is my latest 26-man squad.

The XI

McGree - Toure - Irankunda
Irvine - Robertson
Bos ------------------------------------- Italiano
Herrington - Burgess- Circati
Ryan
​
I'm really excited by our front 3. I think Toure, Irankunda and McGree can cause headaches. Less excited by it's depth.

I'd offer Arena the opportunity but don't anticipate he'd accept. I'd probably take a punt on Kuol if he doesn't.

Suto and Sapsford offer goal scoring form. Duke a high intensity experienced sub option and injury cover.

Bennie can play forward and back and offers pace as a tactical sub. Metcalfe calm experience in various roles.

I don't feel that confident in our midfield options. Defence is our strength. Elder provides LCB cover. I thought it better to use another squad spot on a midfielder - I chose Hrustic because he can play in different positions and offers creativity.

Centre Forward:
[ ] Mohamed Toure
[ ] Mitchell Duke
[ ] Zachary Sapsford
[ ] Antonio Arena

Right Forward:
[ ] Nestory Irankunda
[ ] Ante Suto

Left Forward:
[ ] Riley McGree
[ ] Connor Metcalfe

Centre Midfielder
[ ] Jackson Irvine
[ ] Alex Robertson
[ ] Patrick Yazbek
[ ] Ajdin Hrustic
[ ] Max Balard
[ ] Paul Okon-Engstler

Right Centre Back:
[ ] Alessandro Circati
[ ] Kai Trewin

Centre Back:
[ ] Harry Souttar
[ ] Lucas Herrington

Left Centre Back:
[ ] Cameron Burgess

Right Wing Back:
[ ] Jacob Italiano
[ ] Daniel Bennie

Left Wing Backs:
[ ] Jordan Bos
[ ] Callum Elder

Goalkeepers:
[ ] Mat Ryan
[ ] Paul Izzo
[ ] Joe Gauci
 
Last edited:
Quicky said:
This is my latest 26-man squad.

The XI

McGree - Toure - Irankunda
Irvine - Robertson
Bos ------------------------------------- Italiano
Herrington - Burgess- Circati
Ryan
​
I'm really excited by our front 3. I think Toure, Irankunda and McGree can cause headaches. Less excited by it's depth.

I'd offer Arena the opportunity but don't anticipate he'd accept. I'd probably take a punt on Kuol if he doesn't.

Suto and Sapsford offer goal scoring form. Duke a high intensity experienced sub option and injury cover.

Bennie can play forward and back and offers pace as a tactical sub. Metcalfe calm experience in various roles.

I don't feel that confident in our midfield options. Defence is our strength. Elder provides LCB cover. I thought it better to use another squad spot on a midfielder - I chose Hrustic because he can play in different positions and offers creativity.

Centre Forward:
[ ] Mohamed Toure
[ ] Mitchell Duke
[ ] Zachary Sapsford
[ ] Antonio Arena

Right Forward:
[ ] Nestory Irankunda
[ ] Ante Suto

Left Forward:
[ ] Riley McGree
[ ] Connor Metcalfe

Centre Midfielder
[ ] Jackson Irvine
[ ] Alex Robertson
[ ] Patrick Yazbek
[ ] Ajdin Hrustic
[ ] Max Balard
[ ] Paul Okon-Engstler

Right Centre Back:
[ ] Alessandro Circati
[ ] Kai Trewin

Centre Back:
[ ] Harry Souttar
[ ] Lucas Herrington

Left Centre Back:
[ ] Cameron Burgess

Right Wing Back:
[ ] Jacob Italiano
[ ] Daniel Bennie

Left Wing Backs:
[ ] Jordan Bos
[ ] Callum Elder

Goalkeepers:
[ ] Mat Ryan
[ ] Paul Izzo
[ ] Joe Gauci
Click to expand...

Really like your current first-choice team. Robertson is unproven at international level, but then he also hasn’t been given the chance to prove himself.

It’s interesting the large number of players who are injured/changed allegiances/not getting game time/lost form etc:
K. Yengi, C.Goodwin, Periac-Cullen, Triantis, Segecic, Luongo, Matthews, Farrell, Strain, K. Bos, Botic, Waddingham, Stama,J. Iredale, Carter, Milanovic, Tilio, Drew, Silvera, Arzani, Teague, Nisbet, Kalik, Devlin, Miller, Adamson. That’s a huge chunk of the Socceroos depth.

On the other hand you have the rise of Herrington, Trewin, Suto, Italiano, Okon, and others.

Agree that Arena wouldn’t accept a call-up. Suto seems to have scored most(all?) of his goals from centrally or the left with his left foot, so maybe not right forward? While I like Elder, he’s injured again and I don’t think there’s enough time for him to prove himself to Popa so Behich will be on the plane. Bennie, while he’s undeniably talented, also not enough first team action unfortunately.
 
Kitwally said:
Really like your current first-choice team. Robertson is unproven at international level, but then he also hasn’t been given the chance to prove himself.

It’s interesting the large number of players who are injured/changed allegiances/not getting game time/lost form etc:
K. Yengi, C.Goodwin, Periac-Cullen, Triantis, Segecic, Luongo, Matthews, Farrell, Strain, K. Bos, Botic, Waddingham, Stama,J. Iredale, Carter, Milanovic, Tilio, Drew, Silvera, Arzani, Teague, Nisbet, Kalik, Devlin, Miller, Adamson. That’s a huge chunk of the Socceroos depth.

On the other hand you have the rise of Herrington, Trewin, Suto, Italiano, Okon, and others.

Agree that Arena wouldn’t accept a call-up. Suto seems to have scored most(all?) of his goals from centrally or the left with his left foot, so maybe not right forward? While I like Elder, he’s injured again and I don’t think there’s enough time for him to prove himself to Popa so Behich will be on the plane. Bennie, while he’s undeniably talented, also not enough first team action unfortunately.
Click to expand...

A lot of injuries and a lot of people not getting game time. I think you have to take Herrington and Italiano especially with Miller injured. Not sure of the others. Trewin and Okon too early and I don't think they are better

Nisbet has started 37 out of 37 games and played 97% of minutes. Farrell's loan was to the wrong club. He may eventually be a LCB but he isn't now. Why go to a club that has Gersbach in your position and captain. He looks clumsy as a CB.
 
patjennings said:
A lot of injuries and a lot of people not getting game time. I think you have to take Herrington and Italiano especially with Miller injured. Not sure of the others. Trewin and Okon too early and I don't think they are better

Nisbet has started 37 out of 37 games and played 97% of minutes. Farrell's loan was to the wrong club. He may eventually be a LCB but he isn't now. Why go to a club that has Gersbach in your position and captain. He looks clumsy as a CB.
Click to expand...
It hasn’t been great for most who have come back to the Aleague for more minutes before the WC. Who has really shined?
 
patjennings said:
A lot of injuries and a lot of people not getting game time. I think you have to take Herrington and Italiano especially with Miller injured. Not sure of the others. Trewin and Okon too early and I don't think they are better

Nisbet has started 37 out of 37 games and played 97% of minutes. Farrell's loan was to the wrong club. He may eventually be a LCB but he isn't now. Why go to a club that has Gersbach in your position and captain. He looks clumsy as a CB.
Click to expand...
Hey Pat, Im not entirely sold on Nisbet as a player (yes I admit I cant get past his size, sorry) but if/when he does get a Socceroos callup it will be 100% down to your tireless campaigning... I admire the loyalty and you can bask in a well deserved "told ya so" to all and sundry if it happens... :)
 
patjennings said:
A lot of injuries and a lot of people not getting game time. I think you have to take Herrington and Italiano especially with Miller injured. Not sure of the others. Trewin and Okon too early and I don't think they are better

Nisbet has started 37 out of 37 games and played 97% of minutes. Farrell's loan was to the wrong club. He may eventually be a LCB but he isn't now. Why go to a club that has Gersbach in your position and captain. He looks clumsy as a CB.
Click to expand...
Im a sucker for Nisbet too. I just wish he was in the picture for the World Cup as he offers something different and positive in an attacking sense. Him and Balard teaming up again after both having a few years' experience overseas would have been great to see.. Im also a Farrell fan so hoping he can get in the frame for the next Asian Cup.
 
DeadCatBounce said:
Im a sucker for Nisbet too. I just wish he was in the picture for the World Cup as he offers something different and positive in an attacking sense. Him and Balard teaming up again after both having a few years' experience overseas would have been great to see.. Im also a Farrell fan so hoping he can get in the frame for the next Asian Cup.
Click to expand...
welcome to the forum

I've never seen a physically remedial player get game time under poppa. Tillio has also been sidelined. His system seems to require strong athletic talent. In Nisbet's case the league he plays in might count against him too regardless of the head coach
 
Kitwally said:
Really like your current first-choice team. Robertson is unproven at international level, but then he also hasn’t been given the chance to prove himself.

It’s interesting the large number of players who are injured/changed allegiances/not getting game time/lost form etc:
K. Yengi, C.Goodwin, Periac-Cullen, Triantis, Segecic, Luongo, Matthews, Farrell, Strain, K. Bos, Botic, Waddingham, Stama,J. Iredale, Carter, Milanovic, Tilio, Drew, Silvera, Arzani, Teague, Nisbet, Kalik, Devlin, Miller, Adamson. That’s a huge chunk of the Socceroos depth.

On the other hand you have the rise of Herrington, Trewin, Suto, Italiano, Okon, and others.

Agree that Arena wouldn’t accept a call-up. Suto seems to have scored most(all?) of his goals from centrally or the left with his left foot, so maybe not right forward? While I like Elder, he’s injured again and I don’t think there’s enough time for him to prove himself to Popa so Behich will be on the plane. Bennie, while he’s undeniably talented, also not enough first team action unfortunately.
Click to expand...
Fair call on Suto. I think you could swap him to left in that squad for Metcalfe on the right, and it doesn't change anything. The squad also has Sapsford and Bennie so there are options right. Left sided forward depth is not so great. Goodwins injury stings.
 
Monoethnic Social Club said:
Hey Pat, Im not entirely sold on Nisbet as a player (yes I admit I cant get past his size, sorry) but if/when he does get a Socceroos callup it will be 100% down to your tireless campaigning... I admire the loyalty and you can bask in a well deserved "told ya so" to all and sundry if it happens... :)
Click to expand...
While your mate Puskas is sometimes listed as taller - he was quite short as well - only 3 inches taller than Nisbet and shorter than Messi.

Player Height (m) Height (ft/in)
Lionel Messi 1.70 m 5' 7"
Ferenc Puskás 1.68 m 5' 6"
Diego Maradona 1.65 m 5' 5"
Josh Nisbet 1.60 m 5' 3"
 
patjennings said:
While your mate Puskas is sometimes listed as taller - he was quite short as well - only 3 inches taller than Nisbet and shorter than Messi.

Player Height (m) Height (ft/in)
Lionel Messi 1.70 m 5' 7"
Ferenc Puskás 1.68 m 5' 6"
Diego Maradona 1.65 m 5' 5"
Josh Nisbet 1.60 m 5' 3"
Click to expand...
with all due respect to you and JN, he a shadow of a player of the 3 above but yer I get the height comparo's.
Diego was a midg but damn put aside his ability his stocky build and use of body was sensational.

As for right now - I would have given him a run for we dont have a ball and go mid like him.........
He does read the game well and thats normal of a vision player of his ability.
He mustn't have any incriminating pics of Popa I'm afraid.
 
LFC said:
with all due respect to you and JN, he a shadow of a player of the 3 above but yer I get the height comparo's.
Diego was a midg but damn put aside his ability his stocky build and use of body was sensational.

As for right now - I would have given him a run for we dont have a ball and go mid like him.........
He does read the game well and thats normal of a vision player of his ability.
He mustn't have any incriminating pics of Popa I'm afraid.
Click to expand...
it was more aimed at Mono about Puskas. Nisbet of course is not in the same conversation - just pointing out that people can get past the height with some players
 
patjennings said:
it was more aimed at Mono about Puskas. Nisbet of course is not in the same conversation - just pointing out that people can get past the height with some players
Click to expand...
yes I mentioned that.
Size no matter to me at mid pitch play maker.
They can make up the lack of height/build when you got the game to cover and create damage.
 
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Some thoughts on picking squad depth. I like to think about players for different game scenarios, as subs. Here are a few scenarios and players for them.

Pace to attack: Bennie, Velupillay, Kuol.

Efficient goal scorers: Suto Sapsford.

Shut a game down: Devlin, Trewin, Duke.

Midfield creativity: Robertson
 
grazorblade said:
In Nisbet's case the league he plays in might count against him too regardless of the head coach
Click to expand...
Josh Nisbet should be a shout to make the World Cup squad anyway despite only playing in Eerste Divisie because he's started every match this season for Roda JC Kerkrade, ranks highly in most statistical metrics and is a versatile player who can bolster both midfield and the forward line.
 
rebelliousfeminist974 said:
Josh Nisbet should be a shout to make the World Cup squad anyway despite only playing in Eerste Divisie because he's started every match this season for Roda JC Kerkrade, ranks highly in most statistical metrics and is a versatile player who can bolster both midfield and the forward line.
Click to expand...
And i would argue be the defensive RWB cover for Italiano and will almost certainly be playing in a higher league next season.
 
Cunningstunt said:
Happy to be wrong as always. I suspect the 'training' part would be the critical aspect of this. In that neither Balard or Nisbet would play in the Championship and they would just be training week in week out.
Click to expand...
I think Nisbet would be more likely to get a move and subsequently game time in the Championship compared to Balard assuming that NAC Breda stay up next season but even if he is just getting training and limited minutes it will still be good for his development to be playing at that level.
 
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