Middlesbrough midfielder Riley McGree has been named in an extended 26-player squad for Australia’s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia.
The 26-year-old will make his return to the international level after an injury-plagued 2025.
Head coach Tony Popovic also named four players to receive their first international call-up, including Paul Okon-Enstler – the son of veteran Socceroo Paul Okon.
📋 Tony Popovic's squad for the Subway #Socceroos' June #FIFAWorldCup Qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia is here! 👊
🗞️ Details: https://t.co/YL3ijudg8B#WAtheDreamState pic.twitter.com/4Iz1H8lIax
— Subway Socceroos (@Socceroos) June 1, 2025
Australia finish the third round of qualifiers against Japan in Perth on June 5 and away to Saudi Arabia five days later knowing two draws will be enough to reach next summer’s World Cup finals.
“We’ve put ourselves in a good position within the group to be in control of our destiny,” Popovic said.
“We are ready to embrace this challenge with great respect of our opponents, though full of belief and confidence to achieve our goal of automatic qualification.
“We’ve had the opportunity to work with a large group of these players in a training camp in Abu Dhabi, which has been extremely beneficial both on and off the pitch. I look forward to welcoming the remainder of the squad into camp in Perth for what will be a great build-up and fantastic occasion at Perth Stadium.”
The Socceroos are guaranteed to advance into the fourth qualifying round should they fail to secure a top-two spot at this stage.
