Sydney FC duo Anthony Caceres and Hayden Matthews are among SEVEN Isuzu UTE A-League players called up by Socceroos head coach Tony Popovic for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
Joining the Sky Blues pair in the camp for the pivotal clashes will be Sydney FC captain Rhyan Grant, who returns to the national team set-up for the first time since 2022.
Melbourne Victory duo Nishan Velupillay and defender Jason Geria have also been rewarded for their excellent start to the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
ROUND PREVIEW: What you need to know ahead of Round 4 of the Isuzu UTE A-League season
Furthermore, Western Sydney forward Brandon Borrello also returns to the squad after bagging two goals and two assists in the Wanderers’ first three matches of the campaign.
Melbourne City captain Aziz Behich has also been selected by Popovic for the upcoming clashes.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS FOR ROUND FOUR OF THE ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE
Meanwhile former Central Coast Mariners midfielder and two-time Isuzu UTE A-League champion Max Balard has also been included in a Socceroos squad for the first time following his impressive start to life in the Dutch Eredivisie with NAC Breda.
“We’re in the early stages of this journey as a group and we’ll continue to implement the style of play that will be the foundation of our success throughout this cycle,” said Popovic.
“It’s an important series of fixtures and we’re looking forward to finishing off the year on the right note, and equally, putting on a strong performance for the people of Melbourne who have shown us such great support in recent years.”
Now aged 32, Caceres has finally been included in a Socceroos squad for the first time having been one of the most consistent performers in the Isuzu UTE A-League over the last five years.
A two-time Champion with Sydney FC, the creative midfielder will now compete with the likes of Jackson Irvine, Ajdin Hrustic, Riley McGree, Patrick Yazbek and Balard for the chance to feature in the two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the first of which is against Saudi Arabia in Melbourne on November 14.
“I’m incredibly proud and grateful for this opportunity,” Caceres told Sydney FC media.
“It’s a huge honour to be called into the Socceroos particularly for two critical games, and I’ll be giving it everything I’ve got for my country.
“It’s something I’ve dreamed about from an early age, and I’m ready to contribute to
helping us qualify for the World Cup.”
For Matthews, a maiden national team call up completes what has been a whirlwind 12 months for the talented central defender.
FEATURE READ: An ‘unreal’ A-Leagues origin story you need to hear: ‘I gave up, honestly’
Coming through the Sydney FC academy, the 20-year-old is rapidly becoming one of the most consistent defenders in the Isuzu UTE A-League, establishing himself at the heart of Ufuk Talay’s defence since making in debut in season 2023-24.
“This is a massive moment for me,” said Matthews.
“Getting the chance to represent Australia is a dream come true, and I couldn’t be happier.
“It has been an incredible year so far and I have to pinch myself to believe it.
“I am incredibly grateful to Sydney FC and everyone at the club for their belief in me since the age of 12 and for sticking by me through the tough times [two broken legs].
“I’m determined to pay back that faith and to represent this club and the Socceroos to the best of my ability.”
WSW LATEST: Wanderers coach explains Juan Mata sub call & hints at Socceroo’s return: ‘He’s very close’
Furthermore, should Matthews go on to make his Socceroos debut against either Saudi Arabia or Bahrain the number of overseas clubs interested in acquiring his services is likely go grow even longer.
Meanwhile Sydney FC captain Grant returns to the national team set-up for the first time since the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, where he played for the Socceroos in a 2-0 loss to Japan at Accor Stadium.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS FOR ROUND FOUR OF THE ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE
“I honestly didn’t see this coming, but I’m absolutely delighted,” said Grant upon learning of his call-up.
“It’s always an honour to be selected for your country and if I get the chance I’ll give it my all as always.
“We’ve had a really great start to this season which has no doubt helped my selection.”
The Socceroos currently sit second in Qualifying Group C, ahead of third-placed Saudi Arabia on goal difference.
Match details
Australia v Saudi Arabia
Date: Thursday 14 November
Kick-off: 8:10pm AEDT
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Broadcast: Network 10, 10 Play, Paramount+
Bahrain v Australia
Date: Wednesday 20 November
Kick-off: 5:15am AEDT
Venue: Bahrain National Stadium
Broadcast: Paramount+
