Barely a week after pledging his international allegiance to Australia, former Italy youth international Cristian Volpato has been named in his nation’s 26-player squad heading to the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
On the books of Serie A side Sassuolo, the 22-year-old – who was born and raised in Sydney – had long been courted by the Socceroos but until last month had consistently declined those overtures.
The attacking midfielder now has a chance to immediately push for a starting role, especially in light of an injury to Riley McGree which ruled the Middlesbrough forward out of head coach Tony Popovic’s squad.
Australia’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ squad
Goalkeepers
Patrick Beach
Paul Izzo
Mathew Ryan
Defenders
Aziz Behich
Jordan Bos
Cameron Burgess
Alessandro Circati
Milos Degenek
Jason Geria
Lucas Herrington
Jacob Italiano
Harry Souttar
Kai Trewin
Midfielders
Cameron Devlin
Ajdin Hrustic
Jackson Irvine
Connor Metcalfe
Paul Okon-Engstler
Aiden O’Neill
Forwards
Nestory Irankunda
Mathew Leckie
Awer Mabil
Mohamed Toure
Nishan Velupillay
Cristian Volpato
Tete Yengi
All squads are provisional until the final list of 26 players is announced by FIFA, following their submission by participating teams, on 2 June.
Volpato will be joined by another uncapped forward, with Japan-based striker Tete Yengi rewarded for fine form domestically and in the AFC Champions League Elite with Machida Zelvia. 18-year-old central defender Lucas Herrington has come from the clouds to not only secure a squad spot, but also likely a starting role, just three months after he made his Socceroos debut.
There was though no room for veteran forward Martin Boyle or USA-based defender Kye Rowles, while keeper Joe Gauci and forward Brandon Borello also missed the final cut.
