Australia

Profile

The Socceroos have made the knockout rounds in two of the last three World Cups — reaching the last 16 in 2022 with a famous win over Denmark — and qualified comfortably from Asian qualifying under Tony Popovic. A young squad scattered across Europe's top leagues brings a technical quality and competitive mentality that previous generations lacked. Jackson Irvine is the beating heart of the midfield from St. Pauli, a club whose passionate football culture mirrors Australia's working-class football identity. Mathew Ryan, with caps in the Premier League, La Liga and Championship, provides vast experience in goal. The emergence of Nestory Irankunda as one of Watford's brightest young talents adds a dynamic attacking outlet. Group D is genuinely winnable for Australia: they have faced the United States before on the world stage, and their combination of technical ability, fitness and never-say-die attitude makes them more than capable of a knockout stage repeat.

Australia fixtures

Players to watch

• Jackson Irvine

  Midfielder · St. Pauli

  The Socceroos' captain and most consistent performer, Irvine has become a Bundesliga regular with St. Pauli, driving their remarkable rise through German football. His box-to-box running, leadership and technical quality in a physically demanding league make him the ideal captain for Australia's most talented World Cup generation.

• Mathew Ryan

  Goalkeeper · Levante

  Australia's most experienced goalkeeper, Ryan has played top-level football across Premier League, La Liga and Championship across a remarkable career. His shot-stopping ability, experience in high-pressure moments — including the dramatic penalty shootout versus France at the 2023 Women's World Cup equivalent — makes him a reliable international stalwart.

• Nestory Irankunda

  Forward · Watford

  One of the most exciting young Australian talents in a generation, Irankunda dazzles with his pace, close control and directness from wide positions. His ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations and deliver into dangerous areas makes him Australia's most unpredictable forward and a nightmare for any full-back.

Group D table