Socceroos Squad Announcement for FIFA International Series Matches Against Cameroon and Curacao
The Socceroos Head Coach, Tony Popovic, has announced the 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA international series matches against Cameroon and Curacao. The squad includes four Isuzu UTE A-League players, with Melbourne City captain Aziz Behich and goalkeeper Patrick Beach making a return. Melbourne Victory winger Nishan Velupillay and Sydney FC youngster Paul Okon-Engstler have also been selected. Additionally, uncapped players like Lucas Herrington, Ante Suto, and Deni Juric have received their first call-ups to the squad.
Popovic emphasized the importance of these matches as they are the team's last games before the World Cup pre-camp. The squad selection was based on various factors, and Popovic expressed gratitude for the support from Australian fans. The Socceroos will face Cameroon in Sydney on March 27 and Curacao in Melbourne on March 31 as part of the FIFA International Series, which also includes China. These matches will serve as a farewell to the fans before the team heads to the United States for a pre-tournament training camp.
Looking ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Socceroos are awaiting the opponent for Matchday One, with the FIFA Playoff tournament scheduled during the upcoming international window. Following the tournament, the team will face host nation USA on Matchday Two and South American nation Paraguay in their final Group D match. The upcoming matches against Cameroon and Curacao will be crucial for the Socceroos as they prepare for the World Cup tournament.