2026 World Cup Squad

[socceroosmad]

Machida Zelvia press hard, Tete can cover ground quickly and be a big body to cover passing lanes, he can be a bit clumsy in the the tackle though. If he stays with MZ I think he will improve his defensive game. Also I believe he could play CF or W/AM in Popa's system, Toure and Irankunda much better at running channels.

MUST give Tete a good run against the Swiss, or what's the point of keeping him

 

[JS96]

 

[NoMates]

Switzerland 6 - 0 Socceroo’s. I believe the Swits will dick us 3 goals both half and we will win a pen but Leckie will shoot wide. Oh well it was good until it lasted.

 

[Bbouy]

I swear if I'm still watching Martin Boyle in 2030.......

 

[Mr Cleansheets]

Tbh, it’s pretty shit that a team man in Boyle gets cut and a guy who at best had been an obnoxious smart arse with no contribution at all makes the team. Be interesting to see what the players feel about that.

He better have a big World Cup and be very humble.

The reality is - professional football happens in a different moral universe.

The fans will never get used to it.

 

[Mr Cleansheets]

I was surprised Rowles has been omitted, having had plenty of recent game time?

Conversely. Popa has kept Devlin in the squad, who has had no recent game time! This surprises me?

Devlin played the last few games of Hearts' season.

 

[Mr Cleansheets]

Would love to see him do well, he's a fighter and a terrier. Haven't watched SPL myself but someone on here who has commented that he's not that good on the ball... Hope we get to find out against Switzerland

I lurk on the Hearts forum a bit. The concensus is that he's improved a lot on the ball this season.

 

[socceroosmad]

I lurk on the Hearts forum a bit. The concensus is that he's improved a lot on the ball this season.

Good to hear. Please link Popa to forum site

 

[Quicky]

 

[rebelliousfeminist974]

View attachment 7306

Personally I would not have Leckie as starting right winger but other than that the rest of the depth chart sounds about right.

 

[Quicky]

Personally I would not have Leckie as starting right winger but other than that the rest of the depth chart sounds about right.

Yeah it's weird but pretty sure they just went with the starting XI v Mexico.

 

[Ozirekt]

Good to hear. Please link Popa to forum site

As Poppa has shown by continually starting Irivine, Metcalfe, and O'Neill, he clearly doesn't care about passing ability. Maybe better not to link him

 

[JRD]

You think Metcalfe will operate as a CF?

No, as one of the dual 10s. Toure will be the CF

 

[Decentric]

Devlin played the last few games of Hearts' season.

I meant Socceroo game time. To the best of my knowledge, Devlin has not had a run on the pitch for the Socceroos in the Popa tenure.

 

[Decentric]

Over the last few years Rowles has been a far more effective CB, or even Left Wing Back than Hrustic as an attacker for the Roos.

Yet Rowles is axed.

There is a lot more depth at CB than the last WC.

And we probably have less attacking talent than defensive talent ATM if Rowles misses out.

 

[grazorblade]

interesting video that has 2022 as our pivot point, when we decided that excuses don't count we were going to win anyway

 

[Regista]

	2006	2010	2014	2018	2022	2026
1st	23	9	17	17	17	17
2nd	0	14	3	3	7	4
3rd	0	0	3	1	2	3
4th	0	0	0	2	0	2
	(23)	(23)	(23)	(23)	(26)	(26)

Was interested to look at the squad composition from 2006 to now in terms of World Cup experience. What is it with the number 17 and first-timers? Also, does anyone want to have an early stab at what the 2030 breakdown will be…

 

[HappyGuus]

	2006	2010	2014	2018	2022	2026
1st	23	9	17	17	17	17
2nd	0	14	3	3	7	4
3rd	0	0	3	1	2	3
4th	0	0	0	2	0	2
	(23)	(23)	(23)	(23)	(26)	(26)

Was interested to look at the squad composition from 2006 to now in terms of World Cup experience. What is it with the number 17 and first-timers? Also, does anyone want to have an early stab at what the 2030 breakdown will be…

Nice work. Quite a drop off from 2006, only 3 remained by 2014. And hardly any recurring players since, mostly fresh fish each time.

 

[grazorblade]

	2006	2010	2014	2018	2022	2026
1st	23	9	17	17	17	17
2nd	0	14	3	3	7	4
3rd	0	0	3	1	2	3
4th	0	0	0	2	0	2
	(23)	(23)	(23)	(23)	(26)	(26)

Was interested to look at the squad composition from 2006 to now in terms of World Cup experience. What is it with the number 17 and first-timers? Also, does anyone want to have an early stab at what the 2030 breakdown will be…

Welcome to the forum!

This is our 2nd most experienced squad then after 2010?


I suspect we get 12 first timers next time, a lot of young players in the squad

 

[Keeper66]

What a difference a year makes!

Lucas Herrington this time last year playing for Churchie (Anglican Church Grammar School) in the Brisbane GPS Schools competition.