Where was Anthony Caceres when he learned of his maiden Subway Socceroos call-up?
The Sydney FC star was in a cubbyhouse with his daughter when he got the all important call that he had been selected by Tony Popovic for 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
“I was in the backyard – in the cubbyhouse with my little girl Sienna when I got the news,” Caceres told reporters ahead of Sunday’s Isuzu UTE A-League showdown against Macarthur Bulls.
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“No one else was home so I kind of sat there for an hour or so, staring at my phone and eventually I told her. I had to tell someone I was in the Socceroos.
“She didn’t understand what was going on. Business as usual for her but a long changed for me in that moment.
“It was really nice to reflect in that moment. I’ve already achieved so much – my greatest achievement will always be my kids. This is a great opportunity to set an example for them.”
It has been a long time coming for Caceres.
Caceres is one of the league’s premier players but the 32-year-old has never represented Australia at any international level.
That could change following Friday’s announcement as the Socceroos prepare to meet Saudi Arabia in Melbourne on Thursday, November 14 before visiting Bahrain on November 20.
“It’s an amazing feeling. One of relief actually,” said the two-time Isuzu UTE A-League champion.
“Tremendous happiness more than anything. God’s time is perfect I guess. It hasn’t happened in the past but it’s here now. That’s all that matters to me.
“I was very happy I could share it with my family when I got the news, and also with my teammates here at Sydney and the coaching staff, who’ve helped me tremendously to be at a good enough level to be selected.”
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It could be a baptism of fire for Caceres, with Popovic’s Australia preparing for a blockbuster clash against Saudi Arabia at AAMI Park.
“It’s exciting. I love that.
“I’m at a mature age now in football and I think I’m very well prepared for occasions like this. Having played a lot of games against quality opposition throughout my career, I feel like now more than ever I’m prepared and ready to take on the challenge.”
Caceres is one of seven Isuzu UTE A-League-based players in the Socceroos squad, while he is one of three Sydney FC players selected alongside captain Rhyan Grant and youngster Hayden Matthews.
“It’s very special,” said Caceres, who feels he is “adding new things” to his game despite being in his 30s.
“Obviously I’ve been with Rhyan Grant here a long time. He;s one of my great mates in football. Going to camp with him is amazing.
“Very pleased for Hayden also. He’s a young player but very mature and grown immensely. He is one for the long-term future of the club and country.”
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As for Sydney FC boss Ufuk Talay, he told reporters: “I’m ecstatic for the players. The whole group works really hard but to be recognised and be selected to represent your country is always an honour.”
