Massimo Luongo has been named as a part of Tony Popovic’s first squad as Socceroos boss, as Australia makes an attempt to get their World Cup qualification again on observe.
Luongo, who performs for English Premier League membership Ipswich City, introduced his retirement from worldwide soccer on the finish of final 12 months.
However with Popovic’s appointment as Australia’s boss following the resignation of Graham Arnold, Luongo made himself obtainable for Socceroo choice.
Tony Popovic grew to become coach following the resignation of Graham Arnold. (ABC Information: Marco Catalano)
Popovic has named an prolonged 26-man squad for the 2 qualifiers towards China subsequent Thursday, October 10, and Japan 5 days after.
“We’re initially of an thrilling journey, and it is an honour to steer this group of gamers,” Popovic mentioned.
“I am desperate to welcome each the gamers and new workers into camp as we come collectively for the primary time. This October window provides an excellent alternative to showcase an unlimited enchancment, each in our want and within the high quality of our play.
“This time in camp shall be essential as we lay the foundations that won’t solely assist us succeed on this window however set the tone for our future ambitions.”
Melbourne Victory winger Nishan Velupillay has earned his first call-up to the senior nationwide squad.
Victory teammate Jason Geria is making a return to the nationwide squad, eight years after securing his first cap for the Socceroos.
The Socceroos will play China on the Adelaide Oval on October 10, earlier than flying to Japan to face the Samurai Blue on October 15.
Australia suffered a stunning begin to the third spherical of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, dropping to Bahrain on the Gold Coast earlier than being held to a scoreless draw by Indonesia in Jakarta.
Australia Socceroos squad for World Cup qualifiers
- Daniel Arzani — Melbourne Victory FC, Australia
- Keanu Baccus — Mansfield City FC, England
- Aziz Behich — Melbourne Metropolis FC, Australia
- Jordy Bos — Okay.V.C Westerlo, Belgium
- Cameron Burgess — Ipswich City FC, England
- Thomas Deng — Albirex Niigata, Japan
- Mitchell Duke — FC Machida Zelvia, Japan
- Joe Gauci (Gk) — Aston Villa FC, England
- Jason Geria — Melbourne Victory FC, Australia
- Craig Goodwin — Al Wehda FC, Saudi Arabia
- Ajdin Hrustic — U.S. Salernitana 1919, Italy
- Nestory Irankunda — FC Bayern Munich, Germany
- Jackson Irvine — FC St Pauli, Germany
- Paul Izzo (Gk) — Randers FC, Denmark
- Massimo Luongo — Ipswich City FC, England
- Riley McGree — Middlesbrough FC, England
- Connor Metcalfe — FC St. Pauli, Germany
- Lewis Miller — Hibernian FC, Scotland
- Aiden O’Neill — Normal de Liège, Belgium
- Kye Rowles — Coronary heart of Midlothian FC, Scotland
- Mat Ryan (Gk) — AS Roma, Italy
- Sam Silvera — Portsmouth FC, England
- Harry Souttar — Sheffield United FC, England
- Apostolos Stamatelopoulos — Motherwell FC, Scotland
- Gianni Stensness — Viking FK, Norway
- Nishan Velupillay — Melbourne Victory FC, Australia
