Socceroos squad named ahead of Cameroon and Curacao games

Socceroos Head Coach Tony Popovic has named his 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA international series matches against Cameroon and Curacao, with four Isuzu UTE A-League players among those selected.

Melbourne City captain Aziz Behich is back in the squad for the first time since June whilst he’s also joined by fellow City goalkeeper Patrick Beach.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE

Melbourne Victory winger Nishan Velupillay has also been recalled to the squad having last played for the Socceroos in March of 2025 when he scored in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Indonesia and China.

ROUND PREVIEW: What you need to know for Round 22 of the Isuzu UTE A-League

Meanwhile Sydney FC youngster Paul Okon-Engstler has also been included in the squad for the games with Cameroon and Curacao.

Elsewhere A-Leagues graduate Lucas Herrington is one of three uncapped players to have been called up by Popovic for the latest squad.

Lucas Herrington in action during his time at Brisbane Roar

18-year-old Herrington has impressed for MLS side Colorado Rapids since making the move from Brisbane Roar in late 2025, with the central defender now reportedly being tracked by Premier League clubs such as Everton and West Ham.

TRANSFER NEWS: Newcastle Jets star agrees overseas move: Full Details

Popovic has also handed maiden call-ups to Hibernian striker Ante Suto, who is also eligible to represent Croatia and Wisla Plock striker Deni Juric, with the latter forced to depart the Socceroos’ november camp due to injury.

“These are our last matches before our World Cup pre-camp, and we have considered a variety of factors in selecting this squad,” said Socceroos Head Coach Popovic.

“For many this camp is another opportunity to represent the Socceroos. However, we have also included new faces, as this is our final chance to see players first-hand before our World Cup camp.

“Representing our country is always an honour for both the players and the staff. We want to
put on strong performances.

“While every game matters, these matches are crucial – they serve as a farewell to our fans and an opportunity for them to see the team one last time before we head to the United States.

View this post on Instagram

“We appreciate the fantastic support we receive in Australia. Our fans really got behind us
during the qualifying campaign, and we look forward to being back on home soil.”

The Socceroos will face Camerroon in Sydney on Friday, March 27 before then taking on Curacao in Melbourne on Tuesday, March 31 as part of the FIFA International Series which also features China.

These two games will be the Socceroos’ final tune-ups on home soil before they depart for a pre-tournament training camp in Florida before then facing Mexico in Los Angeles on May 30.

When it comes to the 2026 FIFA World Cup the Socceroos are still waiting to find out just who will be their opponent on Matchday One, with the FIFA Playoff tournament sent to take place in the upcoming international window.

Following that game the Socceroos will then take on host nation USA on Matchday Two before playing South American nation Paraguay in their final Group D match.

Goalkeepers
Mat Ryan – Levante
Paul Izzo – Randers
Patrick Beach – Melbourne City

Defenders
Milos Degenek – APOEL
Cameron Burgess – Swansea City
Aziz Behich – Melbourne City
Jason Geria – Albirex Niigata
Fran Karacic – Osijek
Jordan Bos – Feyenoord
Alessandro Circati – Parma
Lucas Herrington – Colorado Rapids
Jacob Italiano – Grazer AK
Kai Trewin – New York City FC

Midfielders
Ajdin Hrustic – Heracles Almelo
Aiden O’Neill – New York City FC
Connor Metcalfe – St Pauli
Patrick Yazbek – Nashville SC
Paul Okon-Engstler – Sydney FC
Riley McGree – Middlesbrough FC
Alexander Robertson – Cardiff City

Forwards
Nestory Irankunda – Watford FC
Martin Boyle – Hibernian FC
Deni Juric – Wisla Plock
Awer Mabil – CD Castellon
Ante Suto – Hibernian FC
Nishan Velupillay – Melbourne Victory