Akol Akon named in Joeys squad for FIFA U17 World Cup

Sydney FC winger Akol Akon is one of 17 A-League Men talents named in the Australian squad for the upcoming FIFA U17 World Cup.

Akon’s inclusion in the squad comes after the club reversed it’s initial decision to block him from selection for the tournament.

The FIFA U17 World Cup takes place in Qatar in Novemeber, with the Joeys placed in Group C alongside Argentina, Denmark and Mozambique.

Joining Akon in the squad are 17 other young A-League Men talents, including Sydney FC teammate Dionn Nigro (midfielder).

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Western Sydney Wanderers quartet Lachlan Allen (goalkeeper), Georgio Hassarti (attacker), Emile Katrib (defender) and Marcus Savic (defender) have all been selected as has Macarthur Bulls attacker Henrique Oliveira (attacker).

Central Coast Mariners will be without three first team squad members after Luke Becvinovski (attacker), Callum McCaskey (defender) and Oliver O’Carroll (midfielder) were selected while Brisbane Roar trio Max Court (attacker) Archie Mitchell (defender) and Emmett Shaw (midfielder) are also on the plane.

Adelaide United have two players selected in the form of Sajjad Nasiri (midfielder) and Hugo Ng (goalkeeper).

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Melbourne City will be without first team squad members Akeem Gerald (attacker) and Besian Kutleshi (midfielder), with the latter starting both of City’s A-League Men matches so far this season.

Carl Veart’s Joeys booked their spot at the tournament after reaching the semi-finals of the 2026 Under-17 AFC Asian Cup.

“Being selected to represent your country at a FIFA World Cup is an enormous honour, particularly at this stage of a player’s career, and it’s something this group should be incredibly proud of,” Veart said.

“We’ve selected a squad that has worked hard for this opportunity and shown strong character throughout the program.

“There is a good balance within the group and we’re excited to see what they can achieve together.

“For many of these players, this will be the biggest stage they’ve experienced and we’re looking forward to seeing how they respond to the challenge of competing against quality international opposition.

“We know we’ll face strong opponents in the group stage, but that’s exactly the type of challenge we want to embrace. We’re going to Qatar with the ambition to play positive football and progress as far as we can.

“We have belief in this group and want the players to enjoy the occasion, play with confidence and make the most of an opportunity that they’ve earned through their hard work and performances.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the families, coaches and clubs who have played an important role in helping these young players reach this point in their careers.”

JOEYS SQUAD:
Akol AKON — Attacker — Sydney FC
Lachlan ALLEN — Goalkeeper — Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Luke BECVINOVSKI — Attacker — Central Coast Mariners FC
Harrison BOND — Defender — FC Red Bull Salzburg
Max COURT — Attacker — Brisbane Roar FC
Akeem GERALD — Attacker — Melbourne City FC
Georgio HASSARATI — Attacker — Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Emile KATRIB — Defender — Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Besian KUTLESHI — Midfielder — Melbourne City FC
Max LYALL-RAJENDRA — Defender — AFC Bournemouth
Callum McCASKEY — Defender — Central Coast Mariners FC
Archie MITCHELL — Defender — Brisbane Roar FC
Sajjad NASIRI — Midfielder — Adelaide United FC
Hugo NG — Goalkeeper — Adelaide United FC
Dionn NIGRO — Midfielder — Sydney FC
Oliver O’CARROLL — Midfielder — Central Coast Mariners FC
Henrique OLIVEIRA — Attacker — Macarthur Bulls FC
Marcus SAVIC — Defender — Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Jariyah SHAH — Midfielder — Manchester United FC
Emmett SHAW — Midfielder — Brisbane Roar FC
Charlie WILSON-PAPPS — Goalkeeper — Brighton & Hove Albion FC