Australia FIFA World Cup: Australia coach Tony Popovic has included young midfielder Alex Robertson in his squad for friendlies against World Cup hosts United States and Canada, finish a two-year absence for the third-generation Socceroo. Wales-based Robertson, whose father and grandfather both represented Australia, won the last of his two caps against Argentina in Beijing in 2023.

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Under previous coach Graham Arnold, but has not been seen in the green-and-gold since. Popovic said in May that the Scotland-born 22-year-old, who was once on Manchester City's books, had made himself unobtainable and was ineligible for the Australia collection. The subjects seem to have been determined.

Though with the Cardiff City playmaker included in a 25-man squad for the October 10 match against Canada in Montreal and the U.S. clash four days later in Denver, Colorado. Robertson is one of eight vicissitudes to the squad that whitewashed fellow World Cup qualifiers New Zealand in the two-match Soccer Ashes sequence last month.

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Popovic has ended Mat Ryan's exile after the expert goalkeeper and regular Socceroos captain established a move to LaLiga team Levante last month. Norway-based striker Nicholas D'Agostino and Scotland-based holding midfielder Cameron Devlin have been called up for the first time under Popovic since he replaced Arnold last year.

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Defender Jason Geria and forwards Daniel Arzani and Mitch Duke are back in the Socceroos squad for the first time since they sealed qualification for next year's World Cup in North America, while full-back Fran Karacic returns after injury. England-based winger Sam Silvera and Belgium-based midfielder.

Ryan Teague was among the companies cut from the squad that beat New Zealand twice and protracted the Socceroos' unbeaten run to 10 matches under Popovic. In terms of Australia's standings, the Socceroos are currently ranked 25th in the FIFA World Rankings. Popovic has mentioned that the imminent matches will serve as an appreciated grounding, not just tests.

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But learning occasions are mainly because they face two host nations and will face preferment and travel challenges. The full squad features a mix of youth and knowledge, a combination of European-based players with returns from the domestic A-League system. As Popovic builds toward 2026, he seems keen to explore complexity in key positions, and Robertson’s inclusion proposes he may now be part of that journey back into the Australian setup.

Robertson, who plays for Cardiff City, is eligible via lineage; his father and grandfather both previously represented Australia. He last seemed for Australia in 2023 under then-coach Graham Arnold, with his final cap coming against Argentina in Beijing, but he had since been unavailable or thought unentitled. Popovic established that the fittingness and availability issues are now determined.

Stating, Robertson formally made himself obtainable about a month ago, and the medical, fitness, and training staff had been monitoring him in the temporary facility. The October squad signifies a fairly important shake-up; eight players were changed relative to the squad that overcame New Zealand in the Soccer Ashes series.

Among the returns is veteran goalkeeper Mat Ryan, who has returned to the national fold after signing with Spanish side Levante. Other back of the argument comprise Jason Geria, Daniel Arzani, Mitch Duke, and Fran Karacic, the latter recovering from injury. Meanwhile, new call-ups under Popovic comprise Nicholas D'Agostino and Cameron Devlin.

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FAQs

1. Why was Alex Robertson recalled to the Australia squad after two years?

Alex Robertson returned to the Socceroos after resolving previous eligibility and availability issues that kept him out since 2023. Coach Tony Popovic confirmed that the Cardiff City midfielder made himself available again, and his fitness and form impressed staff enough to earn a recall for the October friendlies.

2. Which teams will Australia face in their upcoming October friendlies?

Australia will play two international friendlies against the 2026 World Cup co-hosts — Canada on October 10 in Montreal and the United States on October 14 in Denver, Colorado. These matches are part of the Socceroos’ preparation phase ahead of next year’s World Cup.

3. What changes has Tony Popovic made to the latest Socceroos squad?

Popovic has made eight changes compared to the team that defeated New Zealand in the recent Soccer Ashes series. The new inclusions bring a balance of youth and experience, with players returning from injury and others earning their first call-ups under the coach’s tenure.

4. Which experienced players have returned to the national team under Popovic?

Veteran goalkeeper and captain Mat Ryan has ended his national team exile after signing with Levante in Spain. Other key returnees include Jason Geria, Daniel Arzani, Mitch Duke, and Fran Karacic, who is back from injury. Their presence adds valuable experience and leadership to the squad.

5. How is Australia preparing for the World Cup 2026 under Tony Popovic?

Popovic is using these friendlies to test squad depth, experiment with tactics, and build chemistry among players from Europe and the A-League. Facing two host nations presents altitude, travel, and intensity challenges valuable learning experiences as Australia aims to strengthen its setup ahead of the 2026 World Cup.