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2026 World Cup Squad

View attachment 6459

Based on Tony Popovic's most recent 26-man squad selection for the 2026 windows leading up to the World Cup, here is the projected starting XI and the full list of substitutes, lining up in Popovic's preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.

Starting XI


PositionPlayerClub
GK (C)Mathew RyanLevante UD
CBAlessandro CircatiParma
CBHarry SouttarLeicester City
CBCameron BurgessSwansea City
RWBJacob ItalianoGrazer AK
CMAiden O'NeillNew York City FC
CMConnor MetcalfeSt Pauli
LWBJordan BosFeyenoord
RAMMartin BoyleHibernian
LAMRiley McGreeMiddlesbrough
STDeni JuricWisla Plock
(Note: While Mitchell Duke and Kusini Yengi have been strong options previously, Deni Juric has been highly favored as a target man heading into the final pre-camp).

Substitutes (The 15-Man Bench)
Goalkeepers:
Paul Izzo (Randers FC)
Patrick Beach (Melbourne City)

Defenders:
Aziz Behich (Melbourne City) - Veteran LWB option
Milos Degenek (Apoel FC) - Experienced CB cover
Kye Rowles (Heart of Midlothian / DC United) - Left-sided CB cover
Jason Geria (Albirex Niigata) - Versatile right-sided defender
Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids) - Young breakout CB prospect
Kai Trewin (New York City FC)

Midfielders:
Ajdin Hrustic (Heracles Almelo) - Creative spark and set-piece specialist
Alexander Robertson (Cardiff City) - Dynamic central progression
Patrick Yazbek (Nashville SC)
Paul Okon-Engstler (Sydney FC)

Forwards / Wingers:
Nestory Irankunda (Watford) - The explosive "X-Factor" off the bench
Awer Mabil (CD Castellón)
Nishan Velupillay (Melbourne Victory)
Ante Suto (Hibernian)
So basically the FIFA Series squad?
 
View attachment 6459

Based on Tony Popovic's most recent 26-man squad selection for the 2026 windows leading up to the World Cup, here is the projected starting XI and the full list of substitutes, lining up in Popovic's preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.

Starting XI


PositionPlayerClub
GK (C)Mathew RyanLevante UD
CBAlessandro CircatiParma
CBHarry SouttarLeicester City
CBCameron BurgessSwansea City
RWBJacob ItalianoGrazer AK
CMAiden O'NeillNew York City FC
CMConnor MetcalfeSt Pauli
LWBJordan BosFeyenoord
RAMMartin BoyleHibernian
LAMRiley McGreeMiddlesbrough
STDeni JuricWisla Plock
(Note: While Mitchell Duke and Kusini Yengi have been strong options previously, Deni Juric has been highly favored as a target man heading into the final pre-camp).

Substitutes (The 15-Man Bench)
Goalkeepers:
Paul Izzo (Randers FC)
Patrick Beach (Melbourne City)

Defenders:
Aziz Behich (Melbourne City) - Veteran LWB option
Milos Degenek (Apoel FC) - Experienced CB cover
Kye Rowles (Heart of Midlothian / DC United) - Left-sided CB cover
Jason Geria (Albirex Niigata) - Versatile right-sided defender
Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids) - Young breakout CB prospect
Kai Trewin (New York City FC)

Midfielders:
Ajdin Hrustic (Heracles Almelo) - Creative spark and set-piece specialist
Alexander Robertson (Cardiff City) - Dynamic central progression
Patrick Yazbek (Nashville SC)
Paul Okon-Engstler (Sydney FC)

Forwards / Wingers:
Nestory Irankunda (Watford) - The explosive "X-Factor" off the bench
Awer Mabil (CD Castellón)
Nishan Velupillay (Melbourne Victory)
Ante Suto (Hibernian)
Surprised that Jackson Irvine does not make the playing list altogether and Aiden O'Neill should not be starting in central midfield ahead of either Patrick Yazbek or Alex Robertson.
 
Surprised that Jackson Irvine does not make the playing list altogether and Aiden O'Neill should not be starting in central midfield ahead of either Patrick Yazbek or Alex Robertson.
Only thing against Irvine is his age I guess.

But eh! You do realise we'll be seeing Behich @ LB all World Cup dont u

sorry I forgot the "this is the way"

can you post gify's in here ?
 
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Per wikipedia

From the preliminary squad (55 players submitted 11 May), the final list of at most 26 and at least 23 players per national team will be submitted to FIFA by 1 June, ten days prior to the opening match of the tournament.

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So the Mexico game is before the final 26 is named and the Switzerland game is after that. An extended squad for the camp including both matches would presumably be 30 plus so that all fringe/injured players are around the squad in the leadup to the final cut.

It's a big month and a bit for players who are nominally #21-#40 to show their club form and fitness and stake their claim.
 
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