2026 World Cup Squad

[Decentric]

In fairness, he flew for hours, meets new team mates for the first time.
Hardly knows how they play let alone connecting, from the bench, can't expect any highlights in that short time.

All true.

Well said!

 

[dr. bellows]

The defence must be strong to omit Rowles.

The central midfield must be strong to omit Balard.

Both have done well in stats/ data.

That Boyle was in the Roo frame until recently, and Hrustic is in the forwards, shows the Aus lack of depth in attack. Their data is mediocre over a long time, compared to McGree, Iran, Toure, Metcalfe, Villupillay.

Mabil’s finishing gets him in.

Juric did everything well except create chances!

I would have included Rowles. As others have pointed out, Balard did nothing wrong when called upon. Hrustic has been nominated as one of the midfielders but we'll see where he plays, if he gets a run. I guess he provides an additional dead-ball option. It was concerning when Irankunda was taking corners against one of the Sth American teams. They were generally poor quality. When Elder came on there was a marked improvement in that aspect. We have a lot of tall timber in the squad so we want our corners and free kicks to be good quality.

 

[Decentric]

I would have included Rowles. As others have pointed out, Balard did nothing wrong when called upon. Hrustic has been nominated as one of the midfielders but we'll see where he plays, if he gets a run. I guess he provides an additional dead-ball option. It was concerning when Irankunda was taking corners against one of the Sth American teams. They were generally poor quality. When Elder came on there was a marked improvement in that aspect. We have a lot of tall timber in the squad so we want our corners and free kicks to be good quality.

To me Rowles is the most surprising omission?

Even at Left Wing Back he was effective.

I have compiled comprehensive stats over time that he is one of our best 1v1 ball winners, plus he is tidy on the ball. It must have been a tough decision with him, Geria, Trewin, Degenek and Herrington, for the coaching staff.

 

[mkxx]

To me Rowles is the most surprising omission?

Even at Left Wing Back he was effective.

I have compiled comprehensive stats over time that he is one of our best 1v1 ball winners, plus he is tidy on the ball. It must have been a tough decision with him, Geria, Trewin, Degenek and Herrington, for the coaching staff.

No he isn't effective. He couldn't work on tight space. Defensively is okay but offensively is just god awful.

 

[jimshady]

Would love to see Volps come off the bench and not be wasted in the horrendous first 60 min

 

[Alex M]

I’m surmising Volpato will be the sub, as the other two are match fitter.

Shame Volpato isn’t fitter so he can be appraised like for like. He showed great skill in his highlights reel, which wasn’t on show against the Swiss.

One wonders why Volpato isn't fitter.

 

[Quicky]

I’m surmising Volpato will be the sub, as the other two are match fitter.

Shame Volpato isn’t fitter so he can be appraised like for like. He showed great skill in his highlights reel, which wasn’t on show against the Swiss.

Either or. Probably doesn't make much difference tbh.

 

[Decentric]

No he isn't effective. He couldn't work on tight space. Defensively is okay but offensively is just god awful.

To his credit, Rowles has displayed quite a lot of composure on the ball in tight spaces. I’ve seen a lot of footage on replays.

I suppose a positive is as one of the 2 CB starters in the Qatar WC, Rowles not being selected may indicate more quantity of quality Socceroo CBs for the USA/Canada/ Mexico WC.

To think that 5-6 others have surpassed him in 4 years is auspicious for the future, including the younger Trewin, Herrington and Circati.